Kamil Perry
Macaroni and cheese is a hearty, comforting dish that can be easily adapted to be gluten-free by using cornflour instead of regular flour. Cornflour acts as a thickening agent, creating a smooth and creamy sauce without the lumps that can sometimes occur when using regular flour. To make macaroni and cheese with cornflour, start by cooking the macaroni until al dente, drain, and set aside. In a separate saucepan, create a roux by melting butter and whisking in cornflour. Slowly add milk to this mixture, whisking constantly, until it reaches a thick consistency. Add in your cheese, stirring until melted and smooth, and season to taste. Finally, combine the cooked macaroni with the sauce, stirring to coat the pasta, and serve.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cornflour quantity | 3 tablespoons |
| Cornflour use | Thickening agent |
| Cornflour texture | Smooth and creamy |
| Cornflour comparison with flour | More forgiving to amateur cooks, with less chance of lumps |
| Oven temperature | 350°F |
| Baking time | 20-25 minutes |
| Reheating | Microwave for individual portions, or cover baking dish in foil and bake for 15-20 minutes |
| Macaroni texture | Firm and al dente |
| Sauce texture | Thick, smooth, and creamy |
| Sauce ingredients | Butter, flour, milk, mustard, salt, pepper, paprika |
| Cheese type | Cheddar, Parmesan, goat's cheese, colby, Monterey Jack, fontina, mild cheddar, pepper jack, Gruyère |
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What You'll Learn
How to make a smooth cheese sauce
To make a smooth cheese sauce, you'll need a cheese of your choice, milk, cornflour, and seasoning.
Firstly, grate your cheese and set it aside. The type of cheese you use will depend on your preference. A mature cheddar is ideal, but you could also use parmesan, red Leicester, double Gloucester, gouda, gruyere, or a four-cheese blend.
Next, add your cornflour to a bowl with cold milk and mix well. The general ratio is 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon of cornflour to thicken a pint of milk. You can use any kind of milk, but skimmed or dairy-free alternatives are a good option to balance out the high fat content of the cheese.
Once your cornflour and milk are mixed, add this to a cold pan with your seasoning. You can use salt, pepper, mustard powder, garlic salt, red pepper, or chilli flakes. Place the pan on a medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. The sauce will start to thicken. Once it has reached your desired consistency, remove the pan from the heat and add the grated cheese, stirring until it is thoroughly mixed and melted.
If you prefer a thinner sauce, simply add a splash more milk and stir.
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Using cornflour as a thickening agent
Cornflour is a great ingredient to use as a thickening agent in macaroni cheese. It is particularly useful for those who are gluten intolerant, as it is a gluten-free alternative to flour. Cornflour, or corn starch, can be used to create a thick and creamy sauce without the worry of lumps forming.
To use cornflour as a thickening agent, it must first be mixed with cold milk or water. This is an important step, as it ensures the cornflour is dissolved and prevents lumps from forming. The milk and cornflour mixture can then be added to the sauce, creating a smooth and velvety texture.
One recipe suggests mixing 3 tablespoons of milk with cornflour and mustard, heating the remaining milk with garlic, and then combining the two mixtures. This creates a smooth and thickened sauce. Another recipe recommends adding the cornflour and milk mixture to the pan to help thicken the sauce to your desired consistency.
Cornflour is a forgiving ingredient, perfect for amateur cooks, as it is less likely to form lumps compared to regular flour. It is a great option for creating a thick and creamy macaroni cheese sauce.
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The benefits of gluten-free macaroni
To make macaroni cheese using corn flour, you can follow a similar process to a traditional macaroni cheese recipe. Corn flour can be used to make a thick, smooth sauce, which forms the base of the macaroni cheese. Corn flour is also used to make gluten-free pasta, which can be used as an alternative to traditional wheat pasta.
Gluten-free macaroni is a versatile option that can be enjoyed by those with dietary restrictions or specific health needs. Firstly, it is suitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, who would otherwise need to avoid traditional wheat-based macaroni. By using gluten-free alternatives, such as corn flour, rice or quinoa, those with gluten intolerances can safely enjoy macaroni dishes.
Secondly, gluten-free macaroni can be a nutritious choice. It is a good source of B vitamins, including thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and folate, which are essential for metabolism and cell function. It also contains iron, which is crucial for oxygen transport in the body and preventing anemia. Gluten-free macaroni, especially the whole grain variety, can provide some fiber, aiding in digestion and promoting gut health. Additionally, when prepared without added salt, it is a low-sodium option for those monitoring their sodium intake.
Gluten-free macaroni can also be part of a calorie-controlled diet when consumed in moderation. It provides some plant-based protein and, when combined with vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy sauces, it becomes a versatile base for nutrient-rich meals.
Lastly, gluten-free macaroni made from corn flour has a mild, sweet flavor and a smooth texture. It holds up well in dishes, ensuring that your macaroni cheese maintains its shape and texture even after baking.
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How to avoid lumps in your sauce
To make macaroni cheese, you'll need to make a cheese sauce, and to do that, you'll need to thicken it with flour or cornflour. However, adding flour or cornflour directly to your sauce will likely result in lumps as starch quickly expands when added to hot liquid. So, how do you avoid lumps in your sauce?
Firstly, you could make a slurry by mixing your cornflour with cold water before adding it to your sauce. Corn starch will not gel at 30 degrees celsius, so by mixing it with cold water, you can avoid lumps. Make sure to use double the amount of water to cornflour and mix until you get a lump-free consistency. You can then add this slurry to your sauce and thicken it without creating lumps.
Alternatively, you can make a roux by mixing your flour with butter and cooking it before adding it to your sauce. This will give you a smooth, lump-free sauce. If you are using flour to thicken your sauce, you can also try deglazing your pan. Simply add the flour to your saucepan and slightly brown it before adding the other ingredients.
If you do end up with lumps in your sauce, you can try using a manual food mill or a fine mesh strainer to remove them. If your sauce is vegetable-free, you could also use an immersion blender to break up the lumps.
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Adding extra ingredients to your macaroni
Macaroni cheese is a versatile dish that can be adapted to include a variety of extra ingredients. Here are some suggestions for adding extra ingredients to your macaroni:
Cheese
The type of cheese you use can significantly impact the flavour and creaminess of your macaroni. While cheddar is a popular choice, you can also experiment with different types of cheese such as Colby, Monterey Jack, Fontina, Pepper Jack, or even a little Gruyère. Mixing different types of cheese can create a unique and delicious flavour profile.
Vegetables
Adding vegetables to your macaroni can boost its nutritional value and add extra flavour and texture. Try mixing in some steamed broccoli florets or sliced spring onions. You could also include some sliced medium tomatoes or halved cherry tomatoes for a burst of freshness.
Spices and Seasonings
Spices and seasonings can enhance the flavour of your macaroni and allow you to customise it to your taste preferences. In addition to salt and pepper, you can try adding crushed chillies, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or hot sauce. Dry mustard is also a popular ingredient in macaroni and cheese, as it adds a tangy sharpness that balances out the richness of the dish.
Toppings
To create a crispy and golden topping for your macaroni, try sprinkling breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or extra cheese on top before baking. This will add texture and make your dish even more indulgent.
Meat
If you want to add some protein to your macaroni, you can include cooked chicken, bacon, or ham. This can be mixed into the macaroni or used as a topping.
Feel free to experiment with different combinations of extra ingredients to create a macaroni dish that suits your taste preferences and nutritional needs.
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