Berbere Spiced Mac n’ Cheese
2020-04-13- Cuisine: African, Type: Baked, Entrée, Product Line: Barilla® Traditional Semolina
The flavors of South African spices in a classic comfort food.
Created by Chef Roy Villacrusis
Chef Notes:
The basic mac and cheese gets a spicy update with the complex flavors of Berbere and balanced with the mild flavor and cooling texture of Ayib. Easily convertible to appetizer or entrée portions and can also play well as a one bite pass around that will surely wake up your taste buds.
Ayib is an Ethiopian cheese similar to cottage cheese. Berbere is an Ethiopian spice blend that unmistakably represent the flavor of Ethiopian Cuisine and culture.
Instructions
Step 1
Cook the pasta for 6 minutes, drain and toss with a bit of oil and cool down on a sheet tray.
Step 2
Pre heat oven to 350F. Spray a 2 inch deep, full hotel pan with cooking spray.
Step 3
Mix mild cheddar, sharp cheddar, sour cream, ayib, and egg. Season with Berbere and salt to taste. A dash of milk for creamier consistency.
Step 4
Mix in with pasta and distribute evenly in the baking dish.
Step 5
Sprinkle the reserved cheddar cheese on top.
Step 6
Bake for approximately 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Step 7
Season pork chicharron with Berbere and salt.
Step 8
Spoon on individual serving being careful to keep a crust on top of each portions.
Step 9
Sprinkle seasoned pork chicharron on top.
Step 10
Top with more Ayib and Berbere as desired.
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 3 lb Barilla Cellentani Pasta
- 3 lb mild cheddar cheese, grated, reserve some for topping
- 1½ lb sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 2¼ cup sour cream
- ¾ cup plus ½ cup fresh ayib or other fresh farmers cheese reserve some for topping
- 3 eggs
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tsp berbere spice
- 1½ cup crushed pork chicharron
- Milk, optional
Chef Recommended Cuts
- Cellentani / Cavatappi
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Nutritional Info
This information is per serving.
Please note: for the purpose of the nutritional assessment, total sodium does not include salt added to the cooking water. When salt is listed "as needed" in the ingredient list, 1 tsp total is included in the analysis.