Get your power greens in this macaroni cheese!
Thus the inspiration for this Green Goddess macaroni and cheese.
There is asalad dressingcalled “Green Goddess” that was popular for a time in the 70s.
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It has garlic, sour cream, parsley, tarragon, and anchovies, and is absolutely delicious.
This mac cheese is sort of a riff on that dressing.
You could probably sub out some of the spinach for basil or chard too.
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Feel free to experiment!
Green Goddess Mac and Cheese
We are using fresh baby spinach and parsley for this recipe.
Add the spinach and parsley and blanch for 1 minute.
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Use a slotted spoon to remove the wilted spinach and parsley to a bowl of ice water.
(Do not discard the blanching water, you will use it to cook the macaroni.)
Strain the spinach and parsley.
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Wrap in paper towels and squeeze out excess moisture.
Return blanching water to a boil.
Add salt to the pasta water, 1 tablespoon salt for every 2 quarts of water.
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Add the macaroni pasta and cook until very al dente.
(If the box of macaroni says to cook it 7 minutes, cook it 5.
It will continue to cook and absorb moisture once you mix it with the sauce.)
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Drain the macaroni, rinse with cold water to stop the cooking, and set aside.
Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a thick-bottomed pot on medium high heat.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 20 to 30 seconds.
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The butter should bubble and foam.
Add the flour and whisk to form a paste.
Lower the heat to medium and cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
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Slowly add the milk, whisking as you add it to break up any clumps of flour.
Increase the heat to medium high and let the mixture come to a simmer, continue to whisk.
Stir in the dry mustard, black pepper, herbs, and Worcestershire sauce.
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Whisk in the grated white sharp cheddar and grated Parmesan.
Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
Stir the pureed spinach and parsley into the sauce.
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If using finely chopped anchovies, you’ve got the option to add them in now.
Taste the sauce for salt.
Add more if needed.
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Stir in the cooked drained macaroni pasta.
Stir in lemon juice.
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