Four-Cheese Macaroni With Curry Crunch

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup finely diced onion
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 4 cups fresh breadcrumbs (TIP below)
• 3 cups macaroni or 3 cups penne
• 1/2 cup mild creamy chevre cheese, crumbled
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
• 1 cup shredded friulano cheese or 1 cup gouda cheese
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 4 cups whole milk or 4 cups 2% low-fat milk
• 1 sprig fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 4 -5 green onions, thinly sliced

Instructions

1. Heat butter in a large frying pan over medium heat until bubbly. Add onion; cook 2 minutes. Stir in garlic and curry; cook 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, or until fragrant. Remove from heat. Stir in bread crumbs; set aside.
2. Cook pasta in boiling salted water according to package directions for al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water and drain again. Set aside.
3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
4. Toss cheeses together with flour and salt. Set aside. Heat milk with thyme and bay leaf in a large saucepan over medium heat. When just starting to bubble, stir in cheese mixture by handfuls. Heat, stirring frequently, for 8 to 10 minutes until sauce is just starting to bubble and is thickened. Remove bay leaf and thyme stem; stir in black pepper and green onions. Stir in pasta until coated.
5. Turn mixture into a 4 qt baking dish which has been coated with cooking spray for easy cleanup. Smooth top and evenly sprinkle with curry crumbs.
6. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until a knife inserted into the centre feels hot when removed. If crumbs are getting too brown, lay a piece of foil loosely overtop. Serve with sugar snap or snow peas and warm chapati or whole wheat pita. (Any remainder can be covered and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Reheat, loosely covered, in microwave on half power until hot.).