Gastrogeek’s Amazing Roasted Aubergine Macaroni Cheese

In this recipe from Rejina Sabur-Cross’ book, Gastrogeek, macaroni cheese is given a facelift with the unexpectedly delicious addition of smoky roasted aubergine, smoked cheddar and smoked paprika.

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To say we liked the recipe is an understatement! Not only did the textures and flavours of the dish come together to create a whole that was far more impressive than its simple ingredients suggested, the instructions were also spot on and very straightforward to follow. That last bit should be a given, shouldn’t it? But it’s not uncommon to find yourself adjusting cooking times and amounts to achieve the consistency and results described by the author. In this case, the recipe worked like clockwork.

What made this macaroni cheese shine were the smokey flavours from the smoked paprika, aubergine and smoked cheddar.

Gastrogeek’s Amazing Roasted Aubergine Macaroni Cheese

Servings 4 people

Ingredients

  • 1 aubergine
  • 300 g dried macaroni
  • 35 g butter
  • 25 g plain flour
  • 300 ml whole milk
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • freshly grated nutmeg , to season
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1-2 tsp salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 90 g smoked Cheddar cheese , grated, plus some for sprinkling
  • 100 ml double cream
  • 1 clove garlic , crushed

Instructions

  • Roast the aubergine in a hot oven (220 C) for 20-25 minutes. Carefully peel and mash the creamy innards.

  • Reduce oven to 180 C.

  • Cook the macaroni according to the packet instructions. Drain and transfer to a 25 x 20 cm greased baking dish, reserving a little of the cooking water.

  • Meanwhile, melt the butter in a medium pan and stir in the flour. Cook the roux over a medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring constantly and then gradually add the milk, still stirring constantly.

  • Stir in the mustard, nutmeg, paprika, salt, pepper and cheese and stir until melted.

  • Stir in the aubergine flesh, cream and garlic, along with a little reserved pasta cooking water (to adjust the consistency if required).

  • Pour the sauce over the cooked pasta and mix well. Sprinkle generously with extra grated cheese.

  • Bake at 180 C for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

 

There is absolutely no question whatsoever that we will be making this again, and soon. I recommend that you do too!

If you decide to buy this book after reading our content, please consider clicking through our affiliate link, located within the post and in the footnote below.

Gastrogeek by Rejina Sabur-Cross  is published by Kyle Books.

Please leave a comment - I love hearing from you!
14 Comments to "Gastrogeek’s Amazing Roasted Aubergine Macaroni Cheese"

  1. kaveyeats

    It works really well – it comes through subtly because once cooked and skinned, it’s a subtle smoky slippery thing anyway. Can thoroughly recommend it.

    Reply
  2. Mamta Gupta

    Looks interesting, not sure how much aubergine you will taste through the cheese sauce though. It has given me an idea; pan fry medium thick slices of aubergine and layer them or place on top the macaroni cheese, sprinkle some more cheese and grill, like I do with tomato slices. I will definitely go with it and see what happens.

    Reply
    kaveyeats

    You taste it a little which is perfect – the aubergine is skinned so it’s just silky smooth chopped flesh, just adds a subtle element. Why not try your idea too – it’s good to be inspired by other people’s recipes!

    Reply
  3. kaveyeats

    Yeah it’s one we’re making again soon… we both agreed this one is going to be repeated!!!

    Reply
  4. Snigdha

    Hello Kavey!

    We made this dish last night. It is really delicious. The aubergine lends its flavours beautifully. The sauce is cheesy, creamy with a touch of spice. Really good.

    Thanks so much to you both!

    Snigdha (Snig)
    xx

    Reply
  5. Deena

    Scrummy! I made this and added drops of chipotle paste on top, because sometimes I can’t cope without chilli. Funny how Aubergine and cheese works x

    Reply
    Kavey

    Great idea! If you like heat, sounds a lovely way of adding more flavour as well as heat. Glad you enjoyed, though I just shared, all kudos goes to Rejina!

    Reply

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