Root Vegetable Mac 'n Cheese

Submitted by Kate, Central Office

Ingredients:

Salt and pepper
1/2 pound carrots, sliced 1 inch thick 1/2 pound celery root bulb, trimmed, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes or 1/2 pound parsnips, peeled and sliced 1 pound whole grain or whole wheat elbow macaroni or other small-cut pasta4 tablespoons butter 1 small onion, finely chopped 2 large cloves garlic, finely chopped 3 tablespoons flour 2 cups whole milk 1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning 2 1/2 cups grated sharp yellow cheddar cheese (about 9 ounces) 1/2 cup pickled vegetables or giardiniera salad, drained and finely chopped

Yields:

Serves 4 to 6 as a main dish, 8-10 as a side dish

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Salt it, add the carrots and celery root or parsnips, and cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain then transfer to a food processor and purée.

Meanwhile, bring a second large pot of water to a boil. Salt it, add the pasta and cook 2 minutes shy of al dente. Drain and return to the pot.

While the pasta is working, in a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and cook for a few minutes, then whisk in the flour. Whisk in the milk and simmer until thickened, about 3 minutes. Season with salt, pepper and Old Bay. Add in 2 cups cheddar and melt, stirring in a figure-eight motion with a wooden spoon.

Preheat the broiler. Stir the puréed vegetables and cheese sauce into the pasta. Transfer to a casserole dish and top with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar. Broil until bubbly and brown, about 5 minutes. To serve, top with the pickled vegetables.

I use chipotle oil in the macaroni so it’s a little spicier.

Also, I mix the giardiniera salad into the whole thing (because I make individual sizes and freeze for lunches for the 'hubs').