Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food we all love, and Delia Smith’s recipe will satisfy your cravings. Delia Smith is a well-known British cook and television presenter, and her recipes are renowned for being delicious, easy to follow, and foolproof. Her macaroni cheese recipe is a classic that many have enjoyed over the years. It’s creamy, cheesy, and flavorful, and the perfect dish for a cozy night in or a family gathering.
This dish is simple to make, using just a few ingredients, and can be customized to suit your preferences. Delia Smith’s macaroni cheese is the perfect choice whether you’re a cheese lover or simply looking for a quick and easy recipe. In this blog, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of making this mouth-watering dish and share some tips to help you get it right.
Delia Smith Macaroni Cheese
Ingredients
- 175 g macaroni
- 2 large egg yolks
- Salt and black pepper
- 75 g mascarpone
- 1 medium onion
- 1 oz (25 g) plain flour
- 10 fl oz (275 ml) milk
- ¼ whole nutmeg, freshly grated
- 50 g Gruyère
- 50 g Parmesan (Parmigiano Reggiano)
- 1 oz (25 g) butter
Procedure
- Commence the culinary process by ensuring that all ingredients are accurately weighed and the cheeses are finely grated.
- In a voluminous saucepan, pour 4 pints (2.25 litres) of water infused with a precise level of a dessertspoon of salt, and place it over heat to elevate the temperature until it reaches boiling point.
- In a diminutive saucepan, gently melt the butter over low heat, then incorporate the onions and allow them to soften for 5 minutes, uncovered, without any browning.
- Next, incorporate the flour into the pan and stir until a cohesive paste forms. Then, gradually and meticulously, pour the milk into the pan while vigorously stirring with a wooden utensil.
- Transition to a balloon whisk and continue to vigorously whisk until the sauce reaches a homogeneous consistency.
- Next, incorporate salt and freshly ground black pepper into the sauce along with nutmeg. Allow the sauce to simmer over low heat for a duration of 5 minutes.
- Subsequently, discontinue the application of heat and incorporate the mascarpone and egg yolks into the mixture, succeeded by the addition of Gruyère and half of the Parmesan through whisking.
- Subsequently, transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and allow it to warm up. Meanwhile, immerse the macaroni in boiling water and once it reaches a gentle boil, let it cook for approximately 4-6 minutes until it reaches an al dente texture, bearing in mind that it will undergo further cooking in the oven.
- As the preparation approaches its final minute of cooking, proceed to whip the egg whites until they attain a state of soft peaks.
- After boiling the pasta, pour it into a colander and shake it to eliminate any excess water. Next, transfer the pasta back to the cooking pot and mix it with the cheese sauce, ensuring that it is well-distributed throughout the pasta.
- Subsequently, incorporate the beaten egg whites into the mixture with a gentle cutting and folding technique to optimize the preservation of the air content.
- Carefully extract the heated vessel from the oven and proceed to transfer the amalgamated pasta blend into it. Gently agitate the container to ensure a uniform surface and subsequently sprinkle the reserved Parmesan cheese atop. Proceed to reinsert the dish onto an elevated rack within the oven and leave to bake for a duration of 12 minutes, or until a puffy, lightly browned surface is achieved.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
When it comes to serving Delia Smith’s Macaroni Cheese recipe, there are various options to choose from. Here are some serving suggestions and pairings that will complement the dish:
Green Salad: Adding a simple green salad to your meal will balance the richness of the macaroni cheese and provide a fresh crunch.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasting vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots makes for a delicious and healthy side dish.
Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread perfectly accompanies Delia Smith’s Macaroni Cheese recipe.
Grilled Chicken: Grilled chicken is a great source of protein and pairs well with the creaminess of macaroni cheese.
Tomato Soup: A bowl of tomato soup is a classic comfort food that will enhance the overall flavor of macaroni cheese.
Red Wine: A glass of red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, pairs well with the rich, cheesy flavors of the dish.
Crusty Bread: Slicing up a fresh, crusty loaf of bread will help sop up any leftover sauce and make for a satisfying meal.
With so many options, Delia Smith’s Macaroni Cheese recipe can be easily paired with various dishes that will please the whole family.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Delia Smith’s macaroni cheese recipe is a classic, easy-to-follow recipe that produces a delicious and satisfying meal. This recipe stands out due to its simplicity and use of high-quality ingredients. While there are many macaroni cheese recipes, Delia’s version is a true classic and a must-try for anyone looking for a comforting, hearty meal that will satisfy them. This recipe is perfect for those who want to cook a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Try it out and experience the comforting, cheesy goodness for yourself.
