Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Maccheroni and Smoked Provolina

Chaya the Comfy Cook is hosting this edition of Presto Pasta Night and this week I have that winter favourite, maccheroni

maccheroni© by Haalo


It's a winter favourite because this pasta is perfect for baked dishes and in particular for my version of Mac and Cheese.

The cheese used is a vital part and this time I'm using something a little different - baby smoked Provolina

baby smoked provolina© by Haalo


This is a cows milk, stretched curd cheese - a bit firmer than mozzarella and imbued with a wonderful smoked flavour. To add a bit more substance to the dish, I've also added peas and sautéed slices of Kassler.

maccheroni and smoked provolina© by Haalo


Maccheroni and Smoked Provolina

200 grams maccheroni
finely sliced Kassler
peas
baby smoked provolina, grated
parmesan, finely grated
1 to 1½ cups béchamel sauce, made with smoked provolina


Kassler unlike bacon is a fairly lean product, it's either cured pork loin or neck. I get it sliced as finely as possible and then sauté it in a non-stick pan until browned. You could always replace this with bacon or pancetta.

When the pasta is almost cooked, add in the peas to just blanch them. Drain them with the pasta and then place in a large bowl.

Tip in about half the béchamel, season with some white pepper and stir well. Add the sautéed kassler and fold them gently through the mix. Spread this out into a baking dish and top with the remaining béchamel. Sprinkle over with a mix of grated smoked provolina and parmesan.

Bake in a preheated 170°C oven until golden.

maccheroni and smoked provolina© by Haalo

7 comments

  1. Ooh, it's the time of year for comfort food, eh? Yum.

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  2. What a stunning photo! And although it's technically Spring here it's only 4degrees C and this is one comfort dish that I want right now! Thanks for sharing with Presto Pasta Nights. As usual, you outdid yourself!

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  3. Wow, that is one tempting pasta. Lovely clicks.

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  4. I am hungry after looking at your photos. They are fantastic. This is such a great combination. Thanks for sharing it with Presto Pasta Nights.

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  5. I too love doing gourmet takes on mac and cheese. Yours is fabulous sounding as well as looking! Excellent photos. Now I want to find that cheese and get a better camera!

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  6. Looks delicious. I love any kind of smoked cheese :D

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  7. What an absolutely decadent macaroni and cheese. It looks delicious.

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