Spanish Mac and Cheese

Spanish Mac and Cheese

Spanish style meets comfort food. Add this to your holiday meal list.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded Manchego cheese (you can also use a mix of Manchego and Cheddar)
• 1 cup diced chorizo sausage
• 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chorizo and cook until it starts to crisp up, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the chorizo from the skillet and set it aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell peppers. Sauté them until they become tender and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for a minute or two to eliminate the raw flour taste.
5. Slowly pour in the milk while continuously stirring to create a smooth sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer and thicken for about 2-3 minutes.
6. Add the shredded Manchego cheese (or your cheese blend of choice) to the skillet. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
7. Season the cheese sauce with paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the level of spiciness to your liking.
8. Add the cooked macaroni and the cooked chorizo to the cheese sauce. Stir well to coat the macaroni evenly with the delicious Spanish-inspired cheese sauce.
9. Serve the Spanish Macaroni and Cheese hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

This fusion dish combines the creamy, cheesy goodness of traditional macaroni and cheese with the bold flavors of Spanish chorizo and peppers. It’s a delightful and inspiring twist on a classic comfort food, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!