Pimiento Mac ‘n’ Cheese

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta. Salt the water and cook the pasta to just shy of al dente.

   Step 2

   Heat a large pot over medium heat with the EVOO and butter. When the butter melts, add the onions, garlic, and salt and pepper and cook until the onions are softened, about 5 minutes. Add the flour and cook for another minute. Stir in the paprika. Whisk in the milk and hot sauce and bring up to a bubble, then cook to thicken for a minute or two. Turn off the heat and stir in half of the cheese in a figure-eight motion until melted. Add the pimentos.

   Step 3

   Preheat the broiler.

   Step 4

   When the pasta is nearly al dente, drain it well and add it to the pot with the cheese sauce. Toss to combine. Then pour the pasta into a baking dish, top with the remaining cheese, and brown it under the broiler, 2 to 3 minutes. Garnish with the chopped parsley and a generous sprinkle of sweet paprika.

2. Step 5

   Serve with a mixed green salad dressed with oil and vinegar.