Macaroni Pie is a popular Caribbean dish that is enjoyed as a savory and comforting meal. It is made with macaroni noodles that are cooked until tender and then mixed with a flavorful blend of cheese, milk, eggs, and spices. The mixture is then baked in a pie dish until the top is golden brown and crispy.Macaroni Pie is a beloved dish in the Caribbean and is often served as a side dish at gatherings, such as weddings and family reunions. It is a creamy, cheesy, and savory dish that is perfect for comforting meals.

The dish is made by combining cooked macaroni noodles with a mixture of cheese, milk, eggs, and spices. The cheese used in the dish is typically a sharp cheddar, which provides a rich and tangy flavor to the dish. The milk and eggs are used to create a custard-like mixture that binds the ingredients together and gives the dish a creamy texture.The spices used in Macaroni Pie are typically a blend of dried thyme, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. These spices add a savory and aromatic flavor to the dish that complements the cheesy and creamy flavors.

Overall, Macaroni Pie is a comforting and flavorful dish that is enjoyed by many in the Caribbean and beyond.

Here is a step-by-step method to make a delicious Macaroni Pie:

Ingredients:

1- 1 pound elbow macaroni

2- 1 tablespoon butter

3- 1/2 cup diced onions

4- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper

5- 1/2 cup diced celery

6- 3 cloves minced garlic

7- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

8- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil

9- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

10- 1/4 teaspoon salt

11- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

12- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

13- 2 cups whole milk

14- 2 large eggs, beaten

Directions:

1- Preheat your oven to 350°F.

2- Cook the macaroni noodles according to the package instructions until they are tender. Drain the noodles and set them aside.

3-In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions, bell pepper, celery, and garlic, and sauté for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are softened.

4- Add the dried thyme, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the skillet and stir to combine.

5- Add the cooked macaroni noodles to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetable mixture.

6- Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet and stir until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed.

7- In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole milk and beaten eggs.

8- Pour the milk and egg mixture over the macaroni and cheese mixture in the skillet, stirring gently to combine.

9- Pour the entire mixture into a 9-inch pie dish.

10- Bake the macaroni pie in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.

11- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Note:

You can add additional seasonings and spices to the macaroni and cheese mixture according to your taste. Some people like to add hot sauce, paprika, or mustard for an extra kick of flavor.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 436
• Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 128mg
• Sodium: 455mg
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 6g
• Protein: 22g

Note:

The nutrition facts may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and the serving size of the macaroni pie.

Here are the approximate nutrition facts for the ingredients listed in the recipe:

1 pound elbow macaroni:

• Calories: 1,764
• Carbohydrates: 360 grams
• Protein: 60 grams
• Fat: 8 grams
• Fiber: 16 grams

benefits:

• Carbohydrates: Provides energy through complex carbohydrates, which are essential for bodily functions and activities.
• Fiber: Depending on the type of pasta (whole wheat vs. refined), it may offer some dietary fiber for digestive health.

1 tablespoon butter:

• Calories: 102
• Carbohydrates: 0 grams
• Protein: 0 grams
• Fat: 12 grams
• Fiber: 0 grams

benefits:

• Vitamins: Contains fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K.
• Fat: Provides essential fatty acids and helps in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

1/2 cup diced onions:

• Calories: 32
• Carbohydrates: 8 grams
• Protein: 1 gram
• Fat: 0 grams
• Fiber: 1 gram

benefits:

• Antioxidants: Rich in antioxidants like quercetin, which help fight inflammation and boost the immune system.
• Fiber: Provides dietary fiber for digestive health.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Contains vitamin C, B6, and manganese.

1/2 cup diced bell pepper:

• Calories: 12
• Carbohydrates: 3 grams
• Protein: 0 grams
•  Fat: 0 grams
• Fiber: 1 gram

benefits:

• Vitamins: High in vitamins A and C, which support immune function and skin health.
• Antioxidants: Contains antioxidants like beta-carotene.
• Fiber: Provides dietary fiber for digestive health.

1/2 cup diced celery:

• Calories: 8
• Carbohydrates: 2 grams
• Protein: 0 grams
• Fat: 0 grams
• Fiber: 1 gram

benefits:

• Hydration: High water content helps with hydration.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Contains vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and potassium.
• Fiber: Provides dietary fiber for digestive health.

3 cloves minced garlic:

• Calories: 13
• Carbohydrates: 3 grams
• Protein: 1 gram
• Fat: 0 grams
• Fiber: 0 grams

benefits:

• Antioxidants: Contains compounds like allicin that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Immune Support: Helps boost the immune system.
• Heart Health: May help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

1/4 teaspoon dried thyme:

• Calories: 1
• Carbohydrates: 0 grams
• Protein: 0 grams
• Fat: 0 grams
• Fiber: 0 grams

benefits:

• Antioxidants: Contains thymol and other compounds with antioxidant properties.
• Antimicrobial: Has natural antimicrobial properties.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Contains vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron.

1/4 teaspoon dried basil:

• Calories: 1
• Carbohydrates: 0 grams
• Protein: 0 grams
• Fat: 0 grams
• Fiber: 0 grams

benefits:

• Antioxidants: Rich in antioxidants like eugenol.
• Anti-inflammatory: Has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Contains vitamin K and manganese.

1/4 teaspoon dried oregano:

• Calories: 1
• Carbohydrates: 0 grams
• Protein: 0 grams
• Fat: 0 grams
• Fiber: 0 grams

benefits:

• Antioxidants: Contains rosmarinic acid and thymol with antioxidant benefits.
• Antimicrobial: Has natural antimicrobial properties.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Contains vitamin K and manganese.

1/4 teaspoon salt:

• Calories: 0
• Carbohydrates: 0 grams
• Protein: 0 grams
• Fat: 0 grams
• Fiber: 0 grams

benefits:

• Electrolyte Balance: Helps maintain proper fluid balance and nerve function.
• Flavor Enhancer: Enhances the taste of food.

1/4 teaspoon black pepper:

• Calories: 0
• Carbohydrates: 0 grams
• Protein: 0 grams
• Fat: 0 grams
• Fiber: 0 grams

benefits:

• Digestive Health: Stimulates digestive enzymes and improves digestion.
• Antioxidants: Contains piperine with antioxidant properties.
• Nutrient Absorption: Enhances the absorption of certain nutrients.

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese:

• Calories: 800
• Carbohydrates: 6 grams
• Protein: 48 grams
• Fat: 64 grams
• Fiber: 0 grams

benefits:

• Protein: Provides high-quality protein essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Calcium: Rich in calcium, which is important for bone health.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Contains vitamins A, D, and B12, as well as phosphorus and zinc.

2 cups whole milk:

• Calories: 300
• Carbohydrates: 24 grams
• Protein: 16 grams
• Fat: 16 grams
• Fiber: 0 grams

benefits:

• Calcium and Vitamin D: Important for bone health.
• Protein: Provides essential protein for growth and repair.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Contains vitamin B12, riboflavin, and phosphorus.

2 large eggs, beaten:

• Calories: 140
• Carbohydrates: 1 gram
• Protein: 12 grams
• Fat: 10 grams
• Fiber: 0 grams

benefits:

• Protein: Provides high-quality protein necessary for muscle repair and growth.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Rich in vitamins A, D, B12, and folate, as well as iron and selenium.
• Healthy Fats: Contains healthy fats that support brain health.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary depending on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used. Additionally, cooking methods and any additional ingredients or toppings used may also affect the final nutritional profile of the dish.