As kids, we used to delight whenever macaroni was cooked at home. Macaroni pasta is personally my favorite. The blend of tastes is so simple yet unique. You would agree; macaroni pasta is different from everywhere or made by everyone.
Indian style macaroni pasta with healthy vegetables and desi Indian masalas is perfect for mouthwatering supper, breakfast, snack, and even lunch or dinner. Macaroni pasta is a whole meal with a blend of veggies and meat. You can add different veggies you like and the meat you want.
This traditional Italian dish is loved generally for its mouthwatering taste. While it is popularly known as mac-and-cheese in Europe and America, India loves it as the “Desi style macaroni-pasta” recipe.
The best thing I like the most is a stir-fry recipe. Let’s learn how to make Indian style macaroni pasta with simple ingredients.
How to make Indian style macaroni pasta?
The Indian macaroni pasta is also known as masala macaroni. It is a quick and easy meal with so much flavor. India has a variety of delicious pasta recipes that are adapted to suit Indian tastes and ingredients. Following are the ingredients that are readily available in your kitchen.
ingredients
- Macaroni 1 pack
- Oil 1 tablespoon
- Spices
- Veggies finely sliced
- Cheese optional
- Chicken optional
- Sauce
Boil the macaroni:
Well, pasta comes in various shapes, like penne, fusilli, macaroni, spaghetti, etc. For this recipe, I use the ordinary elbow macaroni. Follow these instructions to keep macaroni from sticking together.
Instructions:
- Take 6-7 cups of water in any pot and place it on the stove for heating.
- When the water starts making bubbles, add pasta, and you have to keep stirring the macaroni pasta right after adding in the boiling water.
- Now, you must add 1–2 Tablespoons of Oil and two pinches of salt while making macaroni. The oil prevents macaroni or many types of pasta from getting burnt on the bottom.
- Don’t boil macaroni for more than the needed time for best results. Strain the cooked macaroni and rinse it under cold water.
- Moreover, keep the heat on medium-high from the start.
Spices for macaroni:
A great way to make Indian style masala macaroni pasta is to add more Indian masala to your recipe. Well, here I am sharing my recipe, which dried species(masalas) I use personally for authentic taste. I hope you love it.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
| Salt | ½ tablespoon |
| Turmeric / haldi | ¼ tablespoon(optional) |
| Kashmiri red chili powder | ½ teapoon(to spice up macaroni, use ½ tsp more) |
| Coriander powder | ¾ tablespoon |
| Dried fenugreek leaves / kasoori methi | 1 teaspoon(optional) |
| Garam masala | ½ tablespoon(according to taste) |
Veggies Preparation:
For me, pasta with loads of veggies is optimum comfort food. Add finely chopped veggies to things like macaroni pasta, where they blend in with the other masala flavors, making it tempting and easier to eat without them being the main focus. Over time, you may realize veggies have enhanced your classic pasta. Listed below veggies can be added:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
| Butter | 2-3tablespoons |
| Finely minced garlic | ½ teaspoon |
| Chopped carrot | ½ cup |
| Bell peppers | ¼ cup |
| Fresh peas | ½ cup |
| Finely chopped tomatoes | 1 cup |
| Diced chopped onion | 1 medium size |
| Boiled sweet corns | 3 tablespoons |
Wait a minute! Do you know” which veggies go same with this sauce and white sauce“? If not, you wouldn’t want to miss this Flavorful Masterpiece.
Cook the vegetables:
1. Put the butter into the pan and let it melt on a lower flame. Add finely minced garlic to the butter and saute it for a few minutes or until the raw aroma disappears.
2. add 1 medium-diced chopped onion to the pan and stir-fry them until they become translucent.
3. add 1.25 to 1.5 cups of fresh, nicely chopped mixed vegetables.
(I add peas, baby corn, fresh carrots, and bell peppers. Do not hesitate to add other vegetables of your choice. Some good vegetable options are cauliflower, broccoli, and mushrooms.)
4. Stir-fry all mixed vegetables with salt, garam masala, turmeric, Kashmiri red chili, coriander powder, and fenugreek leaves(optional).
5. Mix 1 cup of finely chopped tomatoes or tomato paste well. Cover the pot with a lid and cook the tomatoes on low to medium heat. Tomatoes will take time to become pulpy and soften (if you have added chopped tomatoes). Keep the flame down to medium heat.
6. Cook until the vegies masala becomes aromatic, slightly thick, and saucy.
7. Don’t let your veggies masala completely dry out. In case it happens, splash some wate
Make Macaroni pasta:
8. Finally, add boiled macaroni to veggies masala and mix well. For a test taste, you can add more salt if needed.
9. Cover the pot with a lid and cook on medium to low heat for 2 minutes until the pasta becomes hot.
10. If you’re a cheese lover and want to make pasta cheesy, add ¼ cup grated cheese over hot pasta.
Ta-dah!! Your juicy, tangy, and cheesy Indian style macaroni pasta is ready to be served as a zestful meal or snack!
Chef tips for masala pasta:
- To umami flavor: Instead of chopped tomatoes, add tomato ketchup or tomato paste. It brings deeper flavor to your dish.
- For creamy cheesy pasta, use ½ cup full-fat milk cream. You can also make your vegan cream. Like me, if you’re in a cheesy pasta team, add a grated or cheese slice at last(after adding boiled macaroni).
- To add chicken, cut the chicken into a medium-diced shape. Add oil to the pan and Saute the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes(before adding vegetables)—SSautechicken with an inch of salt, red chili powder, and garam masala. Then add vegetables.
Frequently asked questions related to masala pasta
What is the difference between pasta and macaroni?
Pasta is a mix of semolina flour, egg, and water. The paste is then turned into different shapes. Macaroni and pasta are other names for the shapes made from the same dough. The elbow shape of macaroni is the only reason it’s called elbow macaroni. Pasta is a style of starch generally considered to originate in Italy.
Is macaroni a healthy meal?
Moderation plays a key role; macaroni can be enriched with valuable nutrients like iron, vitamin B, and fiber and supports a healthy metabolism by adding versatility to meal planning. Remember that discussing nutritious macaroni does not include the maida variety.
How do you boil macaroni perfectly?
Bring the salted water to a full boil before adding the pasta. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. Taste often towards the end so you don’t overcook it. Keep itfirm and not mushy, and that’s the goal. Remember that your pasta will continue to cook slightly when you mix it with your sauce.
