Recipe: Macaroni and Cheese With Peppers [edit]

Step 1

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Generously butter a large, shallow baking dish (at least 4 quarts).

Step 2

2. Cook the onion and bell pepper in the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat, stirring, until they are softened. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring, 3 minutes. Stir in the milk; heat the mixture to a boil, stirring, and simmer 5 minutes. Stir in cumin, coriander seed and 1/2 teaspoon salt; remove from heat.

Step 3

3. Cook macaroni in a kettle of boiling salted water until it is al dente, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain well and transfer it to a large bowl. Add the sauce, tomatoes, Monterey Jack and salt and pepper to taste; mix well. Transfer the macaroni mixture to the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.

Step 4

4. For the topping, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 5

Add bread crumbs, cornmeal and salt and pepper to taste. Cook, stirring, until the mixture is golden. Stir in cilantro.

Step 6

5. Sprinkle the topping over macaroni mixture. Bake the macaroni and cheese until hot, bubbly and slightly browned at the edges, about 1 hour.