Carrot Macaroni and Cheese
(from jessy_k1065’s recipe box)
http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/carrot-macaroni-and-cheese
One Serving 370 cal, 8 gm fat, 4.5 gm sat fat, 58 gm carb, 4 gm fiber.
Serves 4 peopleCategories: Pasta
Ingredients
- 3/4 pound carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
- Zest and juice of 1 navel orange, zest removed in strips with a vegetable peeler
- Salt
- 3 cups penne rigate (9 ounces)
- 3 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (1 1/2 cups)
- 1 tablespoon chopped tarragon
- Freshly ground white pepper
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 350°. In a medium saucepan, combine the carrots with the zest and juice and 1/4 cup of water. Season with salt and bring to a boil. Cover and simmer over moderate heat until the carrots are very soft, about 30 minutes. Discard the zest. Transfer the carrots and any liquid to a blender and puree until very smooth.
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Meanwhile, in a large saucepan of boiling salted water, cook the pasta until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the cooking water.
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Return the pasta to the pot. Add the reserved water and the carrot puree and cook over moderate heat, stirring frequently, until the pasta is coated with a thickened sauce, about 5 minutes. Stir in three-fourths of the cheese and cook, stirring, until very creamy, 2 to 3 minutes longer. Stir in the tarragon and season with salt and white pepper.
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Transfer the pasta to a medium baking dish and top with the remaining cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and lightly browned, about 20 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.