Everyone has meals growing up that are etched into their minds... all it takes is one bite and you're instantly reminded of all the times you've eaten it in the past. This is one such dish for me... for the rest of you that are lacking a Swedish mother, this may sound very strange and/or unappealing. My mother cautioned me that very few people of the non-Swedish persuasion that she has served this to cared much for it, but I got lucky because both Christie and Jonas ate it at least. I'm still debating whether they like it as much as I do.
Literally translated, what I'm calling this dish is Grandma's macaroni (Farmor is Swedish for Father's Mother), since I got the recipe from her I thought that was appropriate. I'd actually never made this before, so it was a little embarrassing to have so many questions for so simple a recipe. I would liken it to Swedish risotto, except using elbow macaroni as opposed to arborio rice. The technique used to cook the dish is very similar.
As you can see from the photo below, I served it in the traditional Swedish manner... with ketchup and Spiderman... and with meatballs. If you were to have/order this in Sweden it would most likely be presented to you with meatballs in a nice brown gravy that would be applied to the noodles as well, but seeing as how I was trying to recreate some nostalgia for myself I went with what I remembered. That's Jonas' plate in case you were wondering.
Literally translated, what I'm calling this dish is Grandma's macaroni (Farmor is Swedish for Father's Mother), since I got the recipe from her I thought that was appropriate. I'd actually never made this before, so it was a little embarrassing to have so many questions for so simple a recipe. I would liken it to Swedish risotto, except using elbow macaroni as opposed to arborio rice. The technique used to cook the dish is very similar.
As you can see from the photo below, I served it in the traditional Swedish manner... with ketchup and Spiderman... and with meatballs. If you were to have/order this in Sweden it would most likely be presented to you with meatballs in a nice brown gravy that would be applied to the noodles as well, but seeing as how I was trying to recreate some nostalgia for myself I went with what I remembered. That's Jonas' plate in case you were wondering.
1 lb. Small Elbow Macaroni
1 to 2 quarts 2 % Milk (Whole Milk works well too)
Salt and Pepper to Taste
2 Tablespoons Sugar
In a large heavy pot combine milk, macaroni, salt and pepper and bring to just a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and let pasta simmer until liquid is almost completely absorbed. Remove from heat and stir in sugar. Serve immediately with meatballs or german type sausage... ketchup optional.
Feeds 4 to 6 Hungry Swedes
Some Tips:
-You want the pasta to cook fully without absorbing all the milk, add more if your pasta starts to dry out (Much like risotto)
-Stirring regularly is key, you don't want anything to stick to the pan (Again, like risotto)
Coming Soon: Eric's Pesto with Grilled Chicken
Well, brother-in-law, I am scared of any pasta that is accompanied by ketchup. However, if Christie and JOnas like it, maybe we will give it a try here in Colorado. The recipe below looks way more yummy to me, and I can't wait to try it.
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