Mar 01, 2017, Updated Jun 04, 2024 I promise, this macaroni and cheese recipe does not taste like carrots and miso noodle soup. I made this recipe for casual dinner with friends a while ago, when I thought I had nothing at all in the fridge. I love something-from-nothing meals. I have this tub of miso paste staring at me from the fridge and it was driving me crazy that I didn’t use it more often. It’s got such a great depth and savouriness without having an over-powering flavour.
Here’s What You Need
For the Miso-Carrot Mac & Cheese recipe, a blend of traditional ingredients with a twist of miso and carrot puree makes this dish stand out. Let’s look at what you’ll need to create this comforting yet innovative meal.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is flexible, allowing for personal adjustments or dietary considerations.
Penne or Elbow Macaroni: The foundation of any mac & cheese, choose your preferred shape. Butter: Used for sautéing and adding richness. Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce. Garlic: For a hint of sharp, aromatic flavor. All-purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce, creating the perfect consistency. Milk: The liquid base for the creamy cheese sauce. White Miso Paste: Introduces a savory umami depth that’s unexpected and delightful. Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Provides the classic, gooey cheese pull and flavor. Cooked Pureed Carrots: Adds natural sweetness, color, and a nutritional boost. Pepper and Salt: Essential seasonings to enhance the overall flavor. Fresh Breadcrumbs or Panko: Adds a crunchy texture contrast as a topping. Parsley: Brings freshness and color to the breadcrumb topping. Lemon Zest: An optional zing that brightens up the flavors.
Gluten-Free Options: Substitute regular pasta and flour with gluten-free alternatives. Vegan Adjustments: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and cheese substitutes. There are also miso pastes that fit vegan diets. Additional Vegetables: Mix in spinach, peas, or broccoli for an extra dose of greens. Spice It Up: A sprinkle of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce can add a warm kick.
Grab these Tools
A few basic kitchen tools will assist you in making this delicious dish.
Large Pot: For cooking the pasta to just the right texture. Saucepan: Necessary for making the miso-carrot cheese sauce. Whisk: Helps incorporate the miso paste smoothly into the sauce. Blender: For pureeing the cooked carrots, unless pre-prepared puree is used. Baking Dish: A 2-quart dish is ideal for assembling and baking the mac & cheese. Mixing Bowl: Needed for combining the breadcrumb topping ingredients.
Armed with these ingredients, variations, and tools, you’re all set to prepare Miso-Carrot Mac & Cheese, a dish that promises to be as delightful to make as it is to eat. So I’ve been whisking it into all kinds of sauces and dressings and gravies where it technically has no business, and of course, homemade mac and cheese sauce.
How to Make Miso-Carrot Mac & Cheese: An Easy Guide
Miso-Carrot Mac & Cheese offers a unique twist on the classic dish by incorporating the umami richness of miso and the natural sweetness of carrots. This recipe serves 6 and is a delightful way to add a burst of flavor and nutrition to your meal.
Preparing the Ingredients
Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling your pasta in a large pot of salted water until it’s al dente. Drain and keep it aside. Sauté the Base: Melt butter in a saucepan, then cook chopped onion until it softens. Add minced garlic and cook for a bit more.
Making the Miso-Carrot Sauce
Thicken with Flour: Stir in flour to the sautéed onions and garlic, cooking for a minute before slowly adding milk to avoid lumps. Incorporate Miso: Mix the miso paste with a bit of the hot sauce to dissolve, then combine it back into the saucepan, enriching the sauce with umami. Cheese and Carrot Puree: Blend in the shredded cheese until smooth, then stir in the carrot puree for sweetness and color, seasoning with pepper and salt.
Baking to Perfection
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the pasta well with the miso-carrot sauce, ensuring each piece is coated. Add Toppings: Prepare the breadcrumb mixture with parsley, lemon zest, melted butter, and extra cheese for a crispy top layer. Bake: Place it all in a baking dish and bake until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.
Don’t Miss These Mac and Cheese Favs:
Prep Ahead: Assemble the dish up to the point of baking and refrigerate it covered for up to 24 hours before you plan to bake it. Storing Leftovers: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for up to 3 days. Freezing: You can freeze the baked dish for up to a month. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat. Reheating: Warm it in the oven at 350°F until hot throughout or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.
With its unique flavor profile, this Miso-Carrot Mac & Cheese is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection, blending classic comfort with an innovative twist. Note: for the carrots, peel and slice them, just barely cover them with water in a saucepan over high heat, then cook until very tender before draining and pureeing in a blender or food processor.
What to Serve with Macaroni and Cheese Best cheese for baked macaroni and cheese (for flavor and melting!) Ultimate Cheese Sauce for Mac and Cheese Butternut Mac and Cheese Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Other Creamy Pasta Favorites:
Lobster Ravioli Sauce Seafood Pasta with Cream Sauce Beet Pasta Sauce Butternut Squash Alfredo Asiago Tortelloni Alfredo with Grilled Chicken
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