SAVORY MACARONI

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour (Quantity estimated (not specified in original recipe). Used for thickening the sauce.)
• 1/2 pound Macaroni
• 1 teaspoon Salt (Quantity estimated (not specified in original recipe).)
• 1 tablespoon Onion (Finely chopped.)
• 3 medium Tomatoes (Sliced.)
• 1/2 teaspoon Mixed herbs (Powdered.)
• 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg (Grated, or to taste.)
• 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper (Quantity estimated (not specified in original recipe).)
• 1 pint Milk
• 1 tablespoon Butter (For browning the onion.)
• 2 tablespoons Grated cheese (Or finely chopped cheese.)
• 2 tablespoons Water (For moistening the flour.)
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil or sweet drippings (For browning the onions, if using for a meat meal. Quantity estimated (not specified in original recipe).)
• 1 pint Soup stock (Substituted for milk, if using for a meat meal.)

Instructions

1. 1In a small, dry skillet, bake the flour over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it turns a pale fawn color. Pass the flour through a fine-mesh sieve or strainer to remove any gritty particles. This will take about 5 minutes.
2. 2Break the macaroni into short pieces. Boil the macaroni in salted water until fairly tender, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the macaroni.
3. 3In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add the sliced tomatoes, mixed herbs, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Cook until the tomatoes are reduced to a pulp, about 5-7 minutes.
4. 4Add the milk to the tomato mixture and bring it to a boil. Mix the browned flour with water and stir it into the boiling milk mixture. Stir and boil until smooth. Press the mixture through a strainer and return it to the saucepan. When boiling, add the cooked macaroni. A few minutes later, stir in the grated cheese. Serve immediately, or keep warm for half an hour in a water bath for improved flavor. Alternatively, transfer the macaroni to a casserole dish and finish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.