Navi Kitchen Tikka Masala Macaroni & Cheese
An instant classic at chef Preeti Mistry’s latest Oakland restaurant, Navi Kitchen, this tikka masala mac & cheese is the embodiment of the chef’s style: Cali-cool mashed up with traditional Indian flavors. To really capture the chef’s super fresh results, toast and grind whole spices with a mortar and pestle or in a coffee grinder.
Serves 8
Ingredients
8 green cardamom pods
2 black cardamom pods
1 (3-in.) cinnamon stick
8 whole cloves
1 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
1 tablespoon Indian red chile powder (Kashmiri chile powder)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
6 garlic cloves, minced (about 2 Tbsp.)
1 6-oz.) can tomato paste
2 cups heavy cream
1/4 cup water
1 cup sour cream
4 ounces Cheddar cheese, coarsely grated (about 1½ cups)
6 ounces Gouda cheese, coarsely grated (about 1 3/4 cups), divided
1/4 cup plus 2 tsp. kosher salt, divided
1 pound uncooked elbow macaroni
May 2018
