Kimchi’d Mac & Cheese
This recipe transforms the classic comfort food, mac and cheese, into a slightly spicy, nourishing delicacy for grownups. As it cooks, the pieces of cauliflower in this recipe break down into the cheesy sauce, creating an earthy, rich and intensely creamy flavor. Serve this dish with a big bowl of lightly dressed greens and you’ve got a satisfying meal.
Serves 4-6
Ingredients
1 pound penne pasta, regular or GF
6 quarts water
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
1 medium onion, diced
1/4 cup flour, regular or GF
3 cups milk
4 cups shredded sharp white cheddar (about 1 pound)
1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese (about 6 ounces)
4 cups finely chopped cauliflower (about 1 medium cauliflower)
1 1/2 cups Firefly Kimchi, plus extra for garnish
Salt & pepper
1 cup fresh bread crumbs, regular or GF
Method
Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Put the water and salt in a large pot, and bring it to a boil. Add the pasta and cook following the package directions, until it's tender yet firm to the bite. Drain the pasta well. Return it to the pot (off the heat) and toss it with the oil.
Melt the butter over medium heat in a medium sauté pan. Add the onion and sauté until translucent, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir, cooking for another minute. Slowly add the milk, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a simmer. Add both cheeses, stirring until melted.
Remove the pan from the heat and pour the mixture over the cooked pasta. Mix in the cauliflower.
Take the kimchi out of the jar with a clean fork, letting any extra brine drain back into it. Roughly chop the kimchi and mix it into the pasta. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Spread the pasta mixture evenly in the prepared pan. Top with the bread crumbs, and bake until bubbly and brown, 30 to 35 minutes. *
Serve piping hot with an additional dollop of kimchi. (And if you’re into it a spoonful of Firefly Kimchi Hot Sauce!)
*See our FAQ about heating our ferments!
