Ingredients and Weight:
- Macaroni - 400 grams
- Cheese - 250 grams (your choice of type, e.g., cheddar, mozzarella)
- Bacon - 150 grams (sliced)
- Leeks - 2 large ones, cleaned and sliced
- Tomatoes - 3 medium, chopped
- Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
- Butter - 50 grams
- Milk - 2 cups
- Salt and pepper - to taste
- Freshly ground nutmeg - a pinch (optional)
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Cooking: 30-40 minutes
- Total: 50-60 minutes
Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Boil the macaroni in salted water until just tender, then drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and sauté for a minute.
- Stir in the leeks and cook for 5 minutes, until softened.
- Add the tomatoes and continue cooking for another 5 minutes.
- Next, add the bacon and cook until the bacon starts to crisp.
- Pour in the milk and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and add the cheese, stirring until fully melted.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe baking dish.
- Sprinkle with any remaining cheese and bake for 15-20 minutes, until bubbling and golden on top.
- Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, and serve.
Nutritional Information: (Per serving: assuming 8 servings)
Calories: Approx. 500-600 (depending on the type of cheese used)
Fat: 30-40g
Carbohydrates: 40-50g
Protein: 20-30g
(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients used.)
Dish Characteristics:
- A comforting dish with a rich and creamy cheese sauce.
- The combination of bacon, leeks, and tomatoes adds a savory and slightly salty flavor to the macaroni and cheese.
- The dish is hearty and filling, perfect for colder weather or as a meal on its own.
User Comments:
- "This dish was delicious! The combination of flavors was spot on."
- "My family loved the dish, especially the crispy bacon bits."
- "The dish was creamy and filling, just as expected."
- "I added some chopped olives for a different flavor profile, which was quite tasty."
- "Make sure to use fresh ingredients for best results."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Use full-fat milk for a richer, creamier sauce.
- If using different types of cheese, be mindful of their melting points so they don't separate in the sauce.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. Adding more salt or pepper as needed is essential for balancing the flavors.
