Best 3 Trinidadian Macaroni Pie Recipes

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Embark on a culinary journey to Trinidad and Tobago with the iconic Trinidadian macaroni pie. This delectable dish is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, featuring a creamy macaroni filling encased in a flaky, golden-brown crust. Traditionally served at family gatherings and special occasions, macaroni pie embodies the warmth and hospitality of Trinidadian culture. Let's explore the enticing recipes within this article that capture the essence of this beloved dish.

1. **Classic Trinidadian Macaroni Pie**: Immerse yourself in the traditional flavors of this classic recipe. Discover how to achieve the perfect balance of spices, herbs, and cheese in the macaroni filling, resulting in a creamy, flavorful delight. Learn the art of crafting the flaky, buttery crust that encases this culinary treasure, ensuring a satisfying crunch with every bite.

2. **Vegetarian Trinidadian Macaroni Pie**: For those seeking a plant-based alternative, this vegetarian rendition offers a delightful twist on the classic. Explore the secrets of creating a rich and flavorful filling using a medley of vegetables, ensuring a hearty and satisfying experience. Discover how to achieve a golden-brown crust without compromising on taste or texture.

3. **Trinidadian Macaroni Pie with a Twist**: Unleash your culinary creativity with this innovative recipe that adds a unique twist to the traditional macaroni pie. Learn how to incorporate unexpected ingredients and flavors into the filling, creating a dish that tantalizes the taste buds and leaves a lasting impression. Discover the art of crafting a crust that complements these new flavors, resulting in a harmonious culinary experience.

4. **Mini Trinidadian Macaroni Pies**: Embrace the concept of individual servings with these charming mini macaroni pies. Ideal for parties, potlucks, or simply enjoying as a delightful snack, these bite-sized treats offer all the flavors of the classic dish in a compact and portable form. Learn how to adjust the cooking time and temperature to achieve perfectly cooked mini pies that are both visually appealing and bursting with flavor.

5. **Trinidadian Macaroni Pie with Cornmeal Crust**: Experience a delightful variation on the classic macaroni pie with this recipe that incorporates cornmeal into the crust. Discover how the cornmeal adds a distinctive texture and flavor to the dish, creating a delightful contrast to the creamy filling. Explore the techniques for achieving a crispy yet tender crust that complements the macaroni filling perfectly.

Embark on this culinary adventure and discover the secrets of creating an unforgettable Trinidadian macaroni pie. From the classic recipe to innovative variations, these recipes offer a taste of Trinidadian culture and culinary heritage.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

TRINIDADIAN MACARONI PIE



Trinidadian Macaroni Pie image

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

1 tablespoon butter, plus more for greasing the dish
8 ounces sharp Cheddar, coarsely grated (2 cups)
8 ounces whole-milk mozzarella, coarsely grated (2 cups)
2 1/2 cups evaporated milk (from 1 1/2 12-ounce cans)
1 large egg, whisked
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
1/2 Scotch bonnet pepper, finely minced, seeded for less heat
Kosher salt (Diamond Crystal) and black pepper
1 pound dried macaroni

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



Trinidadian Macaroni Pie image

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

500 g macaroni
30 ml olive oil
6 slices bacon
1 onion
400 ml evaporated milk
2 eggs, beaten
2 -6 red chilies, deseeded and finely chopped
250 g cheddar cheese, grated
1 teaspoon ground cloves
2 teaspoons black treacle
1 teaspoon mustard powder
1 tablespoon demerara sugar
2 -3 slices bread, crushed into breadcrumbs

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.

MACARONI PIE FROM TRINIDAD



Macaroni Pie from Trinidad image

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

8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 eggs
2 cups cheese, grated
1 1/2 cups evaporated milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper

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.

Tips:

  • For the creamiest macaroni pie, use a mixture of cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
  • To prevent the macaroni from becoming mushy, cook it al dente.
  • Be generous with the seasonings; a flavorful macaroni pie will have a well-balanced taste.
  • Don't skimp on the cheese sauce; it's what makes the macaroni pie so rich and decadent.
  • Top the macaroni pie with a layer of grated Parmesan cheese before baking for a golden-brown crust.

Conclusion:

Trinidadian macaroni pie is a delicious and versatile dish perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. It's easy to make, and the results are always impressive. Whether you follow the traditional recipe or experiment with different ingredients, you're sure to enjoy this classic Caribbean dish.

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