Sunshine Comfort Food: Cajun Mac ‘n’ Cheese Recipe

Hello, Veg Growers! Scott here, bringing you this week’s recipe. January can feel a little gloomy, but I’m sticking with the theme of "sunshine on a plate" to brighten things up. This week, I’ve combined comfort food with vibrant flavours to create a dish that’s sure to warm your soul: Mac 'n' Cheese loaded with Cajun corn and tomatoes.

The creamy, cheesy goodness of mac 'n' cheese meets the sweet crunch of corn and the spicy kick of Cajun seasoning. It’s the perfect blend of cosy and fresh, delivering those summer vibes we’re all craving this time of year.

If you’ve got sweetcorn in the freezer from last year’s harvest, this is a brilliant way to use it. That said, don’t hesitate to adapt the recipe to whatever vegetables you have on hand. Peas, beans, or even some diced courgettes would work beautifully. It’s all about making the most of what’s in your kitchen.

Ready to get cooking? Here’s how to make it:

Cajun Mac 'n' Cheese Recipe

Serves: 4 people
You will need:

For the Mac 'n' Cheese:

• 250g macaroni
• 40g butter
• 40g plain flour
• 600ml milk
• 250g grated cheddar
• 50g grated Comté cheese or Parmesan

For the Sweetcorn Topping:

• 260g sweetcorn kernels
• 1 red pepper, diced (about 70g)
• 100g cherry tomatoes, halved
• 80g diced red onion
• 1 tbsp Cajun spice
• A splash of oil for frying

Method:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water for 9 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan and add the flour, whisking together to form a roux.
2. Cook the roux for a couple of minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, ensuring the mixture stays smooth.
4. Cook for about 10 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
5. Stir in the grated cheeses and mix the sauce with the cooked macaroni.
6. Transfer the mac 'n' cheese mixture to an ovenproof dish and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Topping

1. Heat a splash of oil in a frying pan and stir-fry the sweetcorn, red pepper, tomatoes, red onion, and Cajun spice.
2. Cook until the vegetables are slightly softened but still hold their shape.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

1. Spread the Cajun vegetable topping evenly over the mac 'n' cheese.
2. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for 15–20 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbling.

And there you have it! A dish that’s sure to bring a little sunshine into your kitchen this January. As always, you can find this recipe and more on the Veg Grower Podcast website at veggrowerpodcast.co.uk, or follow me on Instagram at @seedtotableplot13 for more inspiration.

Happy cooking, and see you next week!