Ingredients

· 1 cup thinly sliced shallots

· ½ cup apple cider vinegar

· 2 teaspoons granulated sugar

· 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided

· ¼ cup unsalted butter

· ¼ cup all-purpose flour

· 5 cups whole milk, warmed

· 3 cups Gruyère cheese, grated

· ¾ teaspoon black pepper

· ¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg

· 450 g cavatappi pasta

· 170 g raclette cheese

· Chopped fresh chives, for garnish

Method

Preheat the oven to 190°C. Combine shallots, vinegar, ½ cup water, sugar, and one teaspoon salt in a bowl. Microwave for three minutes. 

Let it cool; drain. While shallots cool, melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium. Whisk in flour; cook, stirring constantly, until light golden brown. Gradually whisk in warm milk until combined. 

Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium; simmer, whisking often, until thickened. Remove from heat. Add Gruyère, pepper, nutmeg, and remaining salt; stir until cheese melts. Stir in pasta and ¾ cup pickled shallots. 

Transfer pasta mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle remaining shallots on top of pasta; sprinkle evenly with cheese. Bake in preheated oven until top is golden brown and garnish with chives.