Thai Green Curry Mac and Cheese

• •8 oz elbow macaroni
• •4 tablespoon unsalted butter
• •4 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• •2 cup full-fat coconut milk
• •2.5 tablespoon Thai green curry paste
• •1 tablespoon fish sauce
• •1 teaspoon light brown sugar
• •1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• •1.5 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• •0.5 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• • to taste salt
• • to taste black pepper, freshly ground
• •0.3 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, for garnish
• •0.5 teaspoon red chili flakes, for garnish

Instructions

1. 1

   Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside. Do not rinse.

2. 2

   While the pasta cooks, prepare the cheese sauce. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.

3. 3

   Add the all-purpose flour to the melted butter and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. It should be a pale, golden paste.

4. 4

   Gradually whisk in the full-fat coconut milk, a little at a time, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.

5. 5

   Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the Thai green curry paste, fish sauce, and light brown sugar. Whisk until the curry paste is fully dissolved and the sauce is uniformly green and fragrant.

6. 6

   Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese to the sauce. Stir continuously until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Stir in the fresh lime juice.

7. 7

   Add the cooked and drained macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir gently until all the pasta is thoroughly coated.

8. 8

   Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Green curry paste and fish sauce are salty, so add salt cautiously.

9. 9

   Serve immediately in bowls, garnished generously with fresh Thai basil leaves and a sprinkle of red chili flakes.

Chef's Tips

• 💡**Adjust Spice Level:** The spice level of green curry paste varies. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more to taste if you prefer a spicier dish. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• 💡**Cheese Blend Variations:** Feel free to experiment with other melty cheeses like Gruyere, Fontina, or a touch of smoked gouda for added depth.
• 💡**Add Protein or Veggies:** For a heartier meal, stir in cooked, shredded chicken, shrimp, or pan-fried tofu cubes along with the pasta. Sautéed bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli florets also make great additions.
• 💡**Baking Option:** For a baked mac and cheese, transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish, top with a sprinkle of extra cheese and breadcrumbs (panko recommended), and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
• 💡**Freshness is Key:** Using good quality green curry paste and fresh lime juice will significantly enhance the flavor profile of this dish.