Macaroni Pie Recipe: A Traditional Caribbean Side Dish from Trinidad and Tobago

Macaroni pie is a popular side dish in Caribbean cuisine, especially in Trinidad and Tobago. It pairs well with stewed chicken, callaloo, or stewed peas like pigeon peas or lentils. This dish can also be enjoyed on its own. It is a baked pasta dish that combines macaroni with cheese and other ingredients for a delicious meal.

• 225 grams (8 oz) dried macaroni pasta
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups grated cheese
• 1½ cups evaporated milk
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon white pepper
• 1 teaspoon prepared yellow mustard
• 1 pat of unsalted butter, melted
• Bread crumbs for topping

• Baking dish
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Bowl for mixing ingredients
• Fork or metal skewer for testing doneness

Procedure

1. Boil the macaroni in salted water until tender, then drain.
2. Beat the eggs until they are fluffy.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, beaten eggs, grated cheese, evaporated milk, chopped onion, grated carrot, salt, white pepper, mustard, and melted butter.
4. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheese and bread crumbs evenly on top.
5. Bake at 175°C (350°F) for about 30 minutes until firm. A fork or metal skewer should come out dry when inserted through the pie.

Notes, Tips, and Variations

You can enhance macaroni pie by adding ingredients like tomatoes, chopped herbs, minced beef, or roasted onions. Experiment with different types of cheese for varied flavours. The dish is best when the surface has browned evenly.

Nutritional Values

*Note: TBD indicates values that need to be determined based on specific ingredient brands used.

This simple yet delightful dish is perfect for family meals or gatherings. Its rich flavours and creamy texture make it a favourite among many. Enjoy experimenting with different variations to suit your taste preferences.