Makaroni Bakar (Baked Macaroni)

just the way I love it :)

Baked Macaroni is actually an altered Mac&Cheese. But unlike the classic Mac & Cheese it incorporates Malaysian flavor.. using curry paste for seasoning.

This Baked Macaroni dish is actually my sister, Ica's favorite dish. It's so simple to make and it took me less than an hour to whip up the dish. I think I spent more time waiting for it to bake .. :) All it needed was some kind of pasta... since it's called baked macaroni, the pasta would of course have to be macaroni hihi :) but it's really up to you.. you may also use other types of pasta. it's ok. no worries. I used minced meat.. because of the seasoning that I use for this recipe, I prefer minced meat. chicken may be a good alternative ... :)  I also used mixed vege because that's the only vege I had available in my very single home kitchen :p Mum always add celery. I love it for the extra crunch and a little bit of kick :)

I used shredded cheddar cheese for this recipe. But feel free to use your own cheese mix. Parmesan, cheddar and mozzarella would be nice also .. oooo yumms :) You'd need an oven for this dish.. and a little bit of time on the stove. :) sounds tedious? mm... it'll be worth it.. :D

Ingredients: 

1 cup macaroni 

1/2 cup (or more ;)) minced meat - properly defrosted 

1 cup frozen mixed vegetables 

onions - diced

garlic - minced

2-3 tbsp curry powder mixed with 1/2 cup water - use more curry powder if you'd like it hotter

oil for cooking

salt to taste

pepper for seasoning

2 eggs - beaten

2/3 cups of milk - i used low fat milk

1 cup of cheddar cheese shredded

Method: 

1. Cook the macaroni as per on the package instructions. Toss and set aside.
2. Heat pan. Use a pan large enough to mix in the cooked macaroni. Add cooking oil. Saute the onions, and after a minute, add the minced garlic. use medium heat
3. When the onions have wilted, stir the curry powder mixture and let simmer for about 2-3 minutes.. stir occasionally so it doesn't stick to the pan.
4. Add the minced meat. Mix it well with the curry paste and stir occasionally until the meat is browned. 
5. Add the mixed vege. Stir occasionally until cooked. Season it with salt and pepper. Turn off the heat
6. Stir in the cooked macaroni. Mix thoroughly until the macaroni is covered with the minced meat curry. Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. 
7. Heat oven to 180degC. 
8. For this amount of macaroni, I used a 6" baking dish. 
9. Pour the curried macaroni into the baking dish. Press the mixture evenly with a spoon or a spatula. 
10. Whisk the egg together with the milk in a large cup. Pour the milk+egg mixture over the macaroni. 
11. Make sure the egg mixture fills up to top of the baking pan. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top of macaroni and cheese mixture.
12. Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven..
13. Serve warm.. I personally love it with chili sauce.. so Malaysian.. haha :) 

Go on.. give it a try it :) 

simple & delicious :D