Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound of pasta
- 1 cup of grated Van Otlu cheese
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 1/4 cup of butter
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of milk
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Medium saucepan for making the cheese sauce
- Whisk for stirring the cheese sauce
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk until smooth.
4. Gradually add the milk to the saucepan, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
5. Add the salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the saucepan and continue whisking until the mixture thickens.
6. Add the grated Van Otlu cheese to the saucepan and whisk until it is melted and smooth.
7. Add the heavy cream to the saucepan and whisk until it is fully incorporated.
8. Add the cooked pasta to the saucepan and stir until the pasta is coated in the cheese sauce.
9. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 700
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Protein: 25g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Van Otlu cheese can be substituted with any other type of grated cheese.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half or whole milk.
- Red pepper flakes can be omitted or substituted with paprika for a milder flavor.
Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp to the pasta for a protein boost.
- Substitute the parsley garnish with chopped fresh basil or oregano for a different flavor profile.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or onions to the cheese sauce for extra flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to whisk the cheese sauce constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Reserve some of the pasta water before draining the pasta to use in the cheese sauce if it is too thick.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best flavor and texture.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the pasta in individual bowls or on a large platter for family-style dining.
Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh parsley or other herbs
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Pairings:
- Serve the pasta with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
- If the cheese sauce is too thin, whisk in a little bit more flour to thicken it.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the pasta and cheese sauce to the appropriate temperature to prevent foodborne illness.
Food history:
- Van Otlu cheese is a type of Turkish cheese made from cow's milk.
Flavor profiles:
- Creamy, cheesy, slightly spicy
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the pasta hot as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
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Region: Turkish