Rachael's Daytime Talk Show
Spicy Roasted Carrot & Squash Mac 'n' Cheese -- 09/27/12

Spicy Roasted Carrot & Squash Mac 'n' Cheese

Ingredients

  • 6 organic carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch dice
  • 1 1/2 pounds butternut, sweet pumpkin or other orange flesh squash, cut into 1-inch dice
  • Natural cooking spray or olive oil, for drizzling
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper
  • A little freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1 pound macaroni with lines, such as penne or cavatappi or whole wheat short-cut pasta
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 3 round tablespoons flour
  • 1 shallot, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard
  • A few dashes Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 1/2 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup chicken stock
  • 3 cups Red Leicester cheese or sharp yellow cheddar, divided

Yields: 4-6

Preparation

Place racks in upper and lower third of oven. Preheat oven to 425ºF.

Step

Arrange carrots and squash on separate baking sheets and lightly coat in oil. Season the carrots with cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, salt and pepper. Season squash with salt, pepper and a little freshly grated nutmeg. Roast carrots and squash until tender, switching the trays in the oven once, until golden at edges, about 25 minutes.

Step

Bring a large pot of water to a boil for pasta. Add salt and under-cook pasta by a minute or two -- it will continue to cook in the oven.

Step

Melt butter in a saucepot over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook a minute or two. Add shallots and garlic; season with mustard, salt and pepper and stir for a minute or two. Add Worcestershire then whisk in milk, bring sauce to a bubble then thicken to coat spoon.

Step

Place half the roasted squash and carrots into food processor with chicken stock and purée. Whisk purée into milk sauce.

Step

Stir 2 1/2 cups of cheese into sauce; combine with pasta and half the remaining carrots and squash. Transfer to a casserole dish and top with the rest of the roast carrots and squash and cheese.

Brown casserole in the hot oven or cool it and store for a make-ahead meal. If storing, bring the casserole to room temperature before baking at 375ºF until brown and bubbly.