Recipe-o'-clock: Make tempting truffle mac and cheese at home
Truffle mac and cheese is a decadent twist on the beloved classic, infusing the rich, earthy flavors of truffles into a creamy, sophisticated taste. This gourmet dish is a vegetarian's delight, offering indulgence with its velvety texture. Originating from American cuisine, this version is notable for being both vegetarian and free of eggs. Let's prepare to create this luxurious comfort food.
Gather the following ingredients
To prepare this decadent dish, you will need 250 grams of elbow macaroni, two tablespoons of unsalted butter, two tablespoons of all-purpose flour, two cups of whole milk, one cup of grated cheddar cheese, one cup of grated mozzarella cheese, one teaspoon of truffle oil (adjust based on preference), salt to taste, and black pepper to taste. For garnishing: fresh parsley (optional).
Preparing the pasta
Start by cooking the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until it is al dente. This usually involves boiling water in a large pot with a pinch of salt added to it. Once boiled, add the macaroni and cook for about eight minutes or until they are just tender but still have a bit of bite to them. Drain well and set aside.
Crafting the cheese sauce
On medium heat, melt the butter in a saucepan, then add flour to create a roux, whisking until smooth. Slowly pour in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for around five minutes or until the sauce thickens enough to coat a spoon. Then reduce the heat and stir in both grated cheddar and mozzarella until completely melted into a velvety bechamel sauce.
Infusing truffle flavor
After achieving a smooth and velvety consistency with your cheese sauce, it's time to introduce the truffle oil. Add one teaspoon, or a bit more to suit your taste preferences, blending it well to imbue the sauce with that signature earthy essence. At this juncture, fine-tune the flavor by seasoning with the right amount of salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
Combining pasta with sauce
Pour the cooked elbow macaroni into the saucepan with your truffle cheese sauce. Carefully mix them together, making sure each macaroni is thoroughly enveloped in the creamy sauce for even flavor. If you desire a golden crust, transfer the combined mixture to a baking dish. Alternatively, serve it directly from the saucepan to enjoy this luxurious dish without delay.
