HABANERO MAD MAC

Habanero Mad Mac image

Provided by Food Network

Time 1h20m

Yield 1 serving

Number Of Ingredients 22

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons diced fresh habaneros, plus 1 whole and de-stemmed, for garnish
8 ounces Mac Sauce, recipe follows
1/2 cup Cheese Mix, recipe follows
1 teaspoon habanero powder
8 ounces cooked bowtie pasta
3 tablespoons Hell Fire Crunch, recipe follows
3 tablespoons shredded Parmesan
1 cup diced white onion
Olive oil
3 tablespoons minced garlic
4 cups heavy cream
4 cups half-and-half
2 teaspoons granulated garlic
2 teaspoons granulated onion
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
1 cup shredded Cheddar Jack cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella
1 cup shredded Parmesan
1 tablespoon habanero powder
1/2 cup seasoned tortilla chips, such as Doritos

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Heat the olive oil in a saute pan over medium heat until the oil ripples. Add the habaneros and cook until they turn yellow. (To make the dish hotter, you can adjust the amount of diced habanero and/or habanero powder.) Add the Mac Sauce, Cheese Mix and habanero powder. Stir constantly until all the cheese is incorporated and the sauce thickens. Then add the bowtie pasta. Once everything is mixed together, portion the mac into a bowl. Top each dish with the Hell Fire Crunch. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top. Place in the oven until the cheese starts to slightly brown, 4 to 5 minutes. Garnish with the whole habanero.
Saute the onions in a little olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat for 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and continue to saute until translucent. Add the cream, half-and-half granulated garlic, granulated onion, nutmeg and cayenne. Stir until the spices are incorporated. Let simmer for 30 to 45 minutes.
Mix the cheeses together in a medium bowl until combined.
In a blender, place the tortilla chips and habanero powder and pulse a few times until well blended.