Sides
Bajan Macaroni Pie
Ingredients
- - 400 g (14 oz) macaroni pasta
- - 3 eggs
- - 250 ml (1 cup) evaporated milk
- - 300 g (3 cups) sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- - 1 onion, finely chopped
- - 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- - 1/2 hot pepper, finely chopped
- - 1 tsp paprika
- - 1/2 tsp black pepper
- - 1 tsp salt
- - 1 tbsp butter, for greasing
Method
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease the baking dish with butter.
- Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water until just al dente, then drain well.
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, evaporated milk, mustard, paprika, black pepper and salt together.
- Stir in the onion, hot pepper and two-thirds of the cheese.
- Fold in the cooked macaroni until evenly coated, then transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- Scatter the remaining cheese over the top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the centre is just set.
- Rest for 10 minutes before slicing into squares to serve.
Introduction: No Bajan Sunday lunch table is complete without a golden, crusty macaroni pie — a baked, custard-set pasta bake far heartier than an ordinary mac and cheese, seasoned generously with mustard, hot pepper and onion.
Cultural Background: No Bajan Sunday lunch table is complete without a golden, crusty macaroni pie — a baked, custard-set pasta bake far heartier than an ordinary mac and cheese, seasoned generously with mustard, hot pepper and onion. Introduced through British colonial influence and adapted with island seasoning, it has become one of the most requested sides at Bajan celebrations of every kind.
Tips: Undercook the pasta slightly before baking, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Resting the pie before cutting helps it hold its shape into neat slices.
Variations: Add crumbled cooked bacon or ham for a heartier version. Use a mix of cheddar and processed cheese for the classic softer, creamier texture found in many Bajan kitchens.
Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 15 minutes, or in the microwave until hot through.
Nutrition: Approx. 390 kcal, 17 g protein, 34 g carbohydrates, 21 g fat per serving.
FAQs:
Q: Can macaroni pie be made ahead?
A: Yes — assemble unbaked, refrigerate, then bake fresh, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q: Why is my pie watery?
A: This usually means the pasta wasn’t drained thoroughly before mixing with the custard.