In the vibrant culinary landscape of Trinidad, a captivating dish known as Macaroni Pie takes center stage. This irresistible delicacy, a testament to the island's rich cultural heritage, seamlessly blends the comfort of macaroni and cheese with the savory flavors of seasoned ground beef, aromatic onions, crisp bell peppers, and a medley of herbs and spices. The result is a symphony of flavors and textures that dance on the palate, leaving you craving more. Embark on a culinary journey through this article, where we present a collection of delectable Macaroni Pie recipes inspired by Trinidad's culinary traditions. Whether you prefer a classic rendition or a contemporary twist, our recipes cater to diverse preferences and skill levels. Dive into the world of Macaroni Pie and discover the secrets behind this iconic dish that has captivated hearts and taste buds for generations.
Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!
MACARONI PIE FROM TRINIDAD
From The Multi-Cultural Cuisine of Trinidad & Tobago and the Caribbean, Naparima Girls' High School Cookbook which I borrowed. The recipe doesn't say what kind of cheese so you choose your favorite. For a variation, you can add grated onions or carrots, chopped herbs and tomato.
Provided by Oolala
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 45m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Boil macaroni in salted water until tender and drain.
- Beat eggs until fluffy.
- Combine macaroni, eggs, cheese, milk, salt and pepper.
- Pour into a greased baking dish and bake at 350 degrees F. until firm, about 30 minutes.
TRINIDADIAN MACARONI PIE
Macaroni pie is a firmer, highly spiced version of mac and cheese. Quintessential Trinidadian seasonings like thyme and Scotch bonnet pepper give this dish a distinctive taste, while a little less liquid mixed with an egg creates a solid, sliceable texture. A Trini staple for large family gatherings, it's the perfect addition to a holiday table. And if there are any leftovers, they keep well. Feel free to use your favorite Cheddar, but if you're able to find New Zealand Cheddar (or "Trinidad cheese" as it's called on the island), don't pass it up.
Provided by Lesley Enston
Categories casseroles, main course
Time 1h20m
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9-by-13-inch (3-quart) baking dish with butter.
- In a large bowl, mix the Cheddar and mozzarella, and set aside. In a small bowl, whisk the evaporated milk, egg, tomato paste, garlic and onion powders, mustard, thyme, Scotch bonnet pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, and a generous pinch of black pepper until very well blended.
- Cook macaroni in boiling salted water according to the package directions for al dente. Drain and return to the pot. Stir in the tablespoon of butter until melted, then add half the cheese and stir until it's fully combined and starting to melt. Stir in the milk mixture until the pasta is evenly coated. Pour the pasta into the buttered dish, spread it evenly and sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top.
- Bake until the top is bubbling and golden brown, 35 to 40 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for at least 10 minutes to help it firm up. The dish can be made up to a day in advance, tightly covered with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerated, or cut into serving sizes, wrapped tightly and frozen. Reheat covered with foil in a 350-degree oven or in a covered skillet on the stove.
TRINIDADIAN MACARONI PIE
There are probably as many macaroni pie recipes from Trinidad - where my parents are from - as there are Trinidadians, and I've evolved this one over the years. This version has a Christmas Ham inspired toasty topping. While it can be served as an indulgent main, in Trinidad it's often cooled then chopped into squares as a party, barbecue or beach snack, and served with Tabasco.
Provided by Simon Ragoonanan
Categories Macaroni And Cheese
Time 1h
Yield 1 pie, 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/gas mark 4. Cook the macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and cool.
- Fry the bacon in the oil until all the fat has rendered, then remove from the pan, retaining the fat. Mix the topping ingredients with the fat, breadcrumbs last. Finely chop the bacon.
- Mince the onion in a food processor with a little evaporated milk. Mix in the eggs and the rest of the milk, and season. Combine with the macaroni.
- Stir in the bacon, chillies and most of the cheese.
- Pour it all into a large, greased oven dish. Sprinkle the leftover cheese on top, then the topping. Bake for 30-40 minutes, then rest for at least 20 more, or overnight to serve cold the next day.
Tips:
- Use a large pot to cook the macaroni, as it will expand significantly during cooking.
- Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions, but reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes to ensure it is still slightly firm.
- Reserve some of the macaroni cooking water to use in the sauce, as it will help to thicken it.
- Use a good quality cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or Parmesan.
- Add your favorite seasonings and spices to the sauce to taste, such as garlic, onion, paprika, or chili powder.
- If you are using a pre-made sauce, be sure to taste it and adjust the seasonings accordingly.
- Layer the macaroni, sauce, and cheese in a baking dish, starting and ending with the macaroni.
- Bake the macaroni pie in a preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
- Let the macaroni pie cool slightly before serving, as it will be very hot.
Conclusion:
Macaroni pie is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a popular dish in Trinidad and Tobago, and it is also becoming increasingly popular in other parts of the world. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, macaroni pie is a great dish for home cooks of all skill levels. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a special dish to serve at a gathering, macaroni pie is sure to please everyone.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
#60-minutes-or-less #time-to-make #course #main-ingredient #cuisine #preparation #occasion #north-american #lunch #side-dishes #eggs-dairy #pasta #caribbean #oven #easy #central-american #potluck #kid-friendly #cheese #eggs #dietary #high-calcium #comfort-food #inexpensive #high-in-something #pasta-rice-and-grains #elbow-macaroni #taste-mood #to-go #equipment
You'll also love