Trini Macaroni Pie Recipe by Chef Jeremy Lovell

Serves: 8 persons

INGREDIENTS

1 pack (400g) macaroni, uncooked

1 tbsp salted butter

3 tsp onion, finely chopped

2 tsp chopped pimento pepper

2 tsp garlic, finely chopped

4 oz grated carrots (optional)

2 tsp chopped celery

4 oz mayonnaise (optional)

2 large eggs

2 2/3 cups evaporated milk

¼ tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper

1 tsp garlic powder

1 1/2 tsp mustard

1 tsp fine thyme

A pinch of cayenne pepper, optional

3½ cups grated New Zealand cheddar cheese (local cheese), reserve ½ cup for topping

METHOD

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Grease a 9x11 baking dish, and set aside.

3. Boil macaroni in salted water according to package directions. Once cooked, drain the macaroni and place back into the pot, leaving it off the heat to cool down.

4. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions, pimento carrots and celery, cook until softened and slightly caramelized and let cook for 5 minutes. Scrape the mixture and melted butter into the pot with the macaroni. Stir to combine.

5. In a large bowl, beat eggs and mayonnaise together until fluffy. Add milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, dry mustard, dried thyme and cayenne pepper. Stir to combine.

6. Pour the egg mixture over the macaroni and stir until well coated.

7. Stir in 3 cups of the shredded cheese.

8. Pour into a greased, 9x11 baking dish and top with reserved ½ cup of shredded cheese.

9. Bake until the pie is firm, and the top is golden brown. About 35-40 minutes.

10. Allow pie to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.