At a glance

• Category: Snack
• Meal: snack

Ingredients

• Elbow Macaroni — 1 lb
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese — 4 cup
• (1 stick) Butter — 1/2 cup
• (12 oz) Evaporated Milk — 1 can
• arge eggs — 3 l
• medium Onion — 1
• arge Green Bell Pepper — 1/2 l
• to 1 whole Goat Pepper — 1/2
• Salt — 1 tsp
• Black Pepper — 1/2 tsp
• Paprika — 1 tsp
• Dry Mustard Powder — 1 tsp

Method

• 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and liberally grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter.
• 2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente (usually 1-2 minutes less than package instructions). It will finish cooking in the oven.
• 3. While the pasta boils, finely dice the onion, green bell pepper, and goat pepper. (Wash hands thoroughly after handling the hot pepper).
• 4. Drain the macaroni and immediately return it to the hot pot (off the heat). While the pasta is still steaming hot, stir in the cubed butter and 3 cups of the grated cheddar cheese. Mix until the butter is melted and the cheese begins to melt and distribute.
• 5. Stir in the diced onion, green bell pepper, goat pepper, salt, black pepper, and dry mustard powder into the cheesy pasta mixture.
• 6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and the evaporated milk until fully combined.
• 7. Pour the egg and milk mixture over the seasoned pasta. Stir thoroughly to ensure the liquid coats every noodle. This mixture creates the custard that binds the dish.
• 8. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
• 9. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top and dust lightly with paprika for color.
• 10. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set (it should not be runny).
• 11. Remove from the oven and let it cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This resting period is crucial to allow the 'cake' to firm up so it can be cut into perfect squares.

Health benefits

• Provides significant nourishment and building properties for the tissues (Dhatu-poshana).

Indications

• Daurbalya (weakness)
• Vata-vriddhi (Vata aggravation)

Suitable doshas

• vata

Pathya (supportive)

• Suitable for those needing weight gain or recovery from physical exertion in cold climates.

Apathya (avoid)

• Avoid in cases of Mandagni (weak digestion), obesity, congestion, or inflammatory skin conditions.

Contraindications

• Not suitable for those with dairy allergies, lactose intolerance, or severe digestive impairment.

Frequently asked questions