"Kimchi gives good old mac and cheese a spicy crunch, and mushrooms and roasted bell pepper turn it into a main-course casserole. Make Ahead: Parboil the macaroni and refrigerate it up to three days in advance. Make the sauce and refrigerate it for up to 1 week. Assemble the entire casserole and refrigerate it for up to three days...."
INGREDIENTS
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1 pound shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and cut into 1/4-inch slices
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1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
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Sea salt
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12 ounces dried whole-wheat elbow macaroni
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1 large red bell pepper
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2 1/2 cups vegetarian kimchi, preferably spicy
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5 tablespoons flour
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1 1/2 cups no-salt-added vegetable broth
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2 cups low-fat milk (may substitute almond milk)
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1 3/4 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese (about 7 1/2 ounces; may substitute vegan cheese such as Daiya brand)
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1 to 2 tablespoons Sriracha or other hot sauce (optional)
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1/4 cup panko (Japanese-style bread crumbs)