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Mac & cheese, but not as you know it. This vibrant recipe reinvents the classic by infusing the creamy sauce with aromatic lemongrass, coconut milk, and warming spices. The result is a rich, tropical-savvy dish that balances comfort food familiarity with punchy, Southeast Asian flair. Topped with a crispy shallot and toasted coconut crumb, it’s a flavour bomb perfect for foodie adventurers.
Prep: 15 mins
Cooking: 15 mins
Serves 4:
For the pasta:
300g macaroni or small pasta shells
Salt, for the water
For the sauce:
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp plain flour
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp ground coriander
400ml full-fat coconut milk
200ml whole milk
1 tbsp dried lemongrass (crushed slightly in a pestle and mortar or spice grinder)
1 tsp soy sauce
100g grated mature cheddar
50g grated mozzarella
1 tsp lime zest
Juice of ½ lime
For the crispy topping:
2 tbsp panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp desiccated coconut
1 tbsp fried crispy shallots (store-bought or homemade)
1 tsp neutral oil
Pinch of salt
Optional garnish:
Fresh coriander leaves
Sriracha drizzle
Cook the pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a saucepan, melt the butter, then stir in the flour, turmeric and coriander to make a roux. Cook for 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in the coconut milk and milk, then add the crushed dried lemongrass. Simmer gently for 5–6 minutes, stirring often, to allow the lemongrass to infuse.
Remove from heat, strain out the lemongrass bits if you like (or leave them in for added punch), then stir in the cheeses, soy sauce, lime zest and juice.
Fold in the drained pasta, then pour into a baking dish.
Mix together all the topping ingredients in a small bowl and scatter over the top.
Grill under a medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes or until golden and sizzling.
Garnish with fresh coriander and a squiggle of sriracha, if you like a kick.
Calories: 560 kcal
Protein: 18g
Fat: 32g
Carbs: 45g
Fibre: 3g
Salt: 1.2g
Didn’t think mac & cheese could surprise me again – but this lemongrass version totally blew me away. It’s Thailand in a casserole!
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