Rick Stein, the celebrated chef, once encountered a culinary wisdom in Palermo, Sicily: “esagera” – meaning to exaggerate, to use plenty of everything. This philosophy is beautifully embodied in his Italian-inspired mac and cheese recipe, featured in his “Rick Stein’s Road to Mexico” cookbook.
This dish is a true celebration of cheese and bacon, boasting a generous helping of both. It’s surprisingly easy to prepare, with only six steps and a total cooking time of less than an hour. Get ready for a comforting and flavorful experience that’s perfect for a family dinner or a cozy evening in.
Here’s what you’ll need:
* 100g butter, plus extra for greasing
* 100g plain flour
* One tsp Dijon mustard
* 1.2 liters full-fat milk
* 75ml double cream
* One bay leaf
* 400g mature cheddar, grated
* Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
* 500g dried macaroni
* 100g smoked bacon lardons or smoked pancetta cubes
* 60g white breadcrumbs
* 50g Parmesan, grated
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan/gas six) and grease a 35x20cm ovenproof dish.
2. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Stir in the plain flour and cook for one minute.
3. Add the Dijon mustard, remove the pan from the heat, and gradually whisk in the milk and cream. Add the bay leaf.
4. Return the pan to the heat, stirring constantly until the mixture boils and thickens. Remove the pan from the heat, discard the bay leaf, and add the cheddar. Stir until the cheese melts. Season generously with black pepper and a touch of nutmeg.
5. Bring a large pan of salted water to a boil and add the macaroni. Cook for 10 minutes, or until al dente, then drain thoroughly and add to the cheese sauce.
6. Fry the bacon in a frying pan until crisp. Stir the bacon into the macaroni cheese and pour the mixture into the prepared ovenproof dish. Mix the breadcrumbs with the Parmesan and sprinkle over the top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling. Serve immediately.
Enjoy this decadent and satisfying mac and cheese, a testament to the Italian principle of using generous quantities of delicious ingredients. It’s sure to become a family favorite!
