Lunch: Southern Pimiento Mac and Cheese

Undercook the pasta by 1 minute. It will continue to cook in the creamy sauce while the crumb topping toasts under the broiler.

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Lemon

Health benefits of Southern Pimiento Mac and Cheese

Lemons can help to prevent oxidative damage to the body, which women with PCOS are often susceptible to. Lemons are also rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, and other antioxidants. They can potentially support the immune system and have other health benefits. Lemons also have a low glycemic index, so they should not cause a rapid rise in blood sugar when consumed in natural form.

Ingredients

1/4 cup plus 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, divided
1 qt. milk
6 tablespoons butter, cut into pieces
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 pound pasta (such as penne, cavatappi, or rotini)
2 (8-oz.) packages shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated sweet onion
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
2 teaspoons olive oil
2 (7-oz.) jars diced pimiento, drained
2 (2.52-oz.) packages fully cooked bacon, diced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

Instructions

Preheat broiler with oven rack 8 to 9 inches from heat.
Bring 1/4 cup salt and 4 qt. water to a boil in a large covered Dutch oven over high heat.
Meanwhile, microwave milk in a microwave-safe 1-qt. glass measuring cup covered with plastic wrap at HIGH 3 minutes. While milk is heating, melt butter in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium-low; add flour, and cook, whisking constantly, 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in hot milk. Increase heat to medium-high, and bring to a low boil, whisking often.
Add pasta to boiling water, and cook 8 minutes.
Meanwhile, continue to cook sauce, whisking often, 6 minutes. Remove from heat; whisk in cheese, onion, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, 1 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/2 tsp. pepper. Cover.
Stir together panko and olive oil.
Drain pasta, and fold into cheese sauce. Stir pimiento and bacon into pasta mixture. Sprinkle with panko mixture.
Broil 1 to 2 minutes or until breadcrumbs are golden brown. Sprinkle with chives; serve immediately.

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