Time: 40 minutes4 servingsapprox. 560 kcal / serving (estimated)approx. 22 g protein / serving
Ham macaroni is one of the most beloved home-style pasta dishes in Hungary. Old recipes used minced ham; today diced ham, eggs and cheese make it even more filling and juicy. The crisp crust on top is the best part.
Preheat the oven to 200 °C (180 °C fan). Grease an ovenproof dish.
Cook the macaroni in plenty of salted water al dente as directed on the packet (about 8-10 minutes), then drain. Do not rinse, so the cream clings better.
Add the butter, the diced ham, then the sour cream beaten with the eggs and pepper to the hot pasta. Mix well.
Spread the mixture in the dish, sprinkle with grated cheese and bake in the 200 °C oven for 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and crisp.
Rest for 5 minutes so the egg sets, then slice and serve with sour cream, pickles or a fresh salad.
Based on: Malatinszky Fanny szakácskönyve (a classic Hungarian cookbook), modernised. Calories and protein are estimated.
Tips
Do not overcook the pasta, as it softens further while baking.
The egg holds the pasta together so it can be sliced.
Instead of ham, smoked sausage, bacon or cooked chicken also work.
Leftovers can be pan-fried the next day.
Frequently asked questions
Can it be prepared in advance?
Yes, assemble the dish, cover and keep in the fridge for 1 day; take it out 10 minutes before baking.
Can it be frozen?
Sliced and wrapped in foil, for 1 month; reheat in the oven.