Macarrones Con Crema Y Queso – Mexican Macaroni and Cheese

Submitted by Julesong

"Rich and smoky mac and cheese, adapted from Gourmet magazine, February 2005."

 

• Ready In: 30mins
• Ingredients: 11
• Serves: 4

ingredients

• 4 fresh poblano chiles (about 3/4 lb)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 1 cup white onion, strips
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 fresh serrano chili, minced, including seeds (seeds can be optional, if you prefer)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh oregano or 1/2 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
• 6 ounces cavatappi pasta or 6 ounces penne pasta
• 2⁄3 cup Mexican crema or 2/3 cup creme fraiche
• 4 ounces queso fresco or 4 ounces mild feta, crumbled

directions

1. First, you want to roast the poblanos: you can either do this over the flame on a gas stove until skins are blistered and charred, or you can broil them (turning occasionally) until charred on all sides.
2. Place hot poblanos in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap, letting them steam for 10 minutes.
3. Peel or rub off the charred skins and discard stems, seeds, and ribs (do not rinse peppers under water).
4. Cut roasted poblanos into 1/4-inch thick strips; set aside.
5. In a large heavy skillet melt together the butter and oil over medium low heat, then sauté the onion strips and salt, stirring occasionally, until the onion is golden, about 10 to 12 minutes.
6. While the onion is browning, begin cooking the pasta by adding it to a large pot of boiling salted water until tender, about 7 to 10 minutes; reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain remaining and set aside.
7. To the sautéed onion add the serrano, garlic, oregano, and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
8. Increase temperature to high, then add the drained pasta, reserved pasta cooking water, the crema, and the onion mixture, and cook, stirring, until the pasta is well coated and heated through, about 2 minutes.
9. Add the roasted poblano strips, stir well, then add the queso fresco cheese and toss.
10. Pour onto platter and serve immediately.
11. Note: cavatappi pasta is a short s-shaped pasta tube that resembles a small corkscrew.

Reviews

[Cook D]

Had some queso fresco to use up so tried this recipe. It hit the spot and was easy to prepare. I toned down the heat by using a mariachi pepper instead of the serrano and omitted the salt due to dietary restrictions. Smooth and creamy sauce. Would definitely make again.