Mac and Cheese (The Naija way)

My people! I grew up watching American movies where the meal; Mac and cheese was regularly thrown around. It seemed like a funky Oyinbo (foreign) dish that would only be heard by me but never to be tried by my taste buds.

Fast forward to adult living and now, all I can say is “never say never.” I am proud to announce that I haven’t only tasted Mac and cheese in this life time but I can make it as well. Amazing stuff! 

Did you ever have the same thoughts growing up? Or have you perhaps had a restaurant bought Mac and cheese but remain clueless on how to russle it up? 

Have no fear, I am absolutely here for you. You would be making Mac and cheese in the comfort of your kitchen in no time. It is an absolutely yummy delight when made right and is fairly easy to put together.

But First, a little history

History of Mac and cheese

Nobody knows the true origin of Mac N’ Cheese, but some people believe the first recipe came from southern Italy in the 13th century. Another school of thought claim that this dish was created by James Hemings, an African American enslaved and trained as a culinary chef in France.

Though a world of uncertainty lie in the history of the meal, some things are quite certain, it is very popular amongst the Americans, especially the African Americans and also a delight to the taste buds. 

Ingredients

What are the items needed to make this yummy meal? Well, ingredients may vary from one cook to another, but the core ingredients remain,  macaroni and a world of cheese (just as the meal’s name suggests).
Find below my personal ingredient listing for Mac and cheese (Naija style)

• Macaroni 500g
• Butter 200g
• Heavy cooking cream 
• Precooked/spiced chicken breasts
• Onions (one Large)
• Blended ata rodo (1/2 cup depending on how spicy you want it)
• White pepper (1tbs)
• Paprika (1 Tbs)
• Suya spice (1 Tbs)
• Parsley as much as you like
• Cheddar cheese (150g)
• Mozarella cheese (150g)
• Know chicken cubes

Cooking instructions

1. In a clean pot, pour in 3 cups of clean water. Add a little salt and one tablespoon of vegetable oil, leave to boil for 2 minutes. 
2. Pour in your macaroni and leave to boil for about 8-10 minutes. 
3. While boiling you macaroni, get another clean pot, melt in 200g of unsalted butter. 
4. When properly melted, add the blended pepper (ata rodo) and stir nicely.
5. Pour in your heavy cooking cream
6. Add your preferred seasoning (bouillion cubes, suya spice, white pepper and paprika)
7. Grate in some cheddar cheese ( however, remember to turn down your heat to low)
8. Check on your macaroni, it should be well cooked. Drain macaroni water and run through cold and clean water 
9. Pour the macaroni into the creamy mix and fold it all in
10. Leave to cook for another 5 mins, not forgetting to adjust seasoning for taste. 
11. Get a clean foil tray or baking tray to transfer the creamy macaroni
12. Pour in your precooked/spiced chicken breasts (or any other protein of choice) 
13. Grate some more cheese ( cheddar and mozarella) 
14. Put in the oven and bake for 10mins at 250 degrees 

Print

Your delicious Mac and Cheese, Naija style is ready! Bon appetite! 

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