The Masala Macaroni recipe is a yummy mix of Italian pasta and Indian spices, and it has become a favorite comfort food for lots of people. This dish brings together the best of both worlds by adding a tasty Indian twist to the classic macaroni!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It’s super easy to make
- Perfect for beginners in the kitchen.
- It’s packed with flavor from spices,
- Making every bite delicious.
- You can add your favorite veggies for extra nutrition and color.
- It’s a quick meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Plus, it’s fun to customize, so you can make it your own!"
About Masala Macaroni
The Masala Macaroni recipe is a perfect mix of Indian and Italian cooking styles. While pasta is originally Italian, Indian cooks have transformed it into something unique.
This dish, often called Indian-style macaroni or desi pasta, showcases the creativity of Indian cooking by blending global ingredients with local flavors.
These days, many families in India make it, especially for quick meals or busy dinners.
Although simple, the recipe packs exciting flavors, combining the creaminess of pasta with the bold spices of India, giving you the best of both worlds!
You can also check out our other tasty recipes! Try the cheesy and delicious Cheese Bread Roll, the healthy Oats Khichdi, or the flavorful Cheese Chutney Sandwich. If you're in the mood for something light, try the protein-packed Moong Dal Recipe or the tasty Chicken Bread Roll There's something for everyone!
What is Masala Macaroni?
The Masala Macaroni recipe is a fun twist on classic pasta, making it even more flavorful!
What's great is that pasta comes in so many shapes, from spaghetti to fettuccine, offering endless ways to enjoy it. This flexibility lets you get creative and try new versions, so it’s never boring.
Personally, Masala Macaroni has always been my favorite Recipe. Growing up, my mom would pack it in my lunchbox, and I couldn’t wait to eat it. The buttery pasta with spicy masala made it both comforting and exciting.
Now, every time I make it, I’m reminded of those cozy, happy memories. Perfect for busy days or a quick snack, it’s always a crowd-pleaser!
Side dishes
Serve with garlic bread for crunch, a fresh green salad for freshness, and raita for a cool, flavorful touch. These sides complete the meal perfectly!
What you Need to Make This Masala Macaroni Recipe
Recipe Ingredients
Ingredients Notes:
- Macaroni Pasta: The base of the dish; use any shape you like.
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dish.
- Cumin Seeds: For a warm, earthy flavor; temper them in hot butter.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
- Tomatoes: Bring tanginess and balance the spices.
- Capsicum: Adds crunch and freshness to the recipe.
- Green Chilies: For heat and spiciness; adjust to taste.
- Ginger-Garlic: Adds aromatic flavor to the masala.
- Turmeric Powder: Gives color and a subtle, earthy flavor.
- Red Chili Powder: Adds heat and a rich color.
- Cumin Powder: Enhances the earthy flavors in the dish.
- Coriander Leaves: Fresh, aromatic garnish to brighten up the dish.
See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
How to Make Masala Macaroni
Step by Step Instructions
1. Boil the Macaroni
- First, start by boiling 4-5 cups of water in a big pot. Then, add a pinch of salt and 2 cups of macaroni to the boiling water.
- Next, cook the pasta until it's al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes according to the package.
- After that, remember that the texture of the pasta is really important for the perfect dish. Finally, drain the water and set the macaroni aside!
2. Prepare the Masala Base
- In a big pan, first heat 1 tablespoon of oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Next, add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds and let them splutter, which will make the dish smell really good.
- Then, add the finely chopped onions and stir them occasionally until they turn golden brown. While you do this, you can chop the tomatoes and capsicum.
- After that, add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for about a minute until the raw smell goes away.
3. Add Spices and Vegetables
- First, add the chopped tomatoes and green chilies to the pan. Cook them until the tomatoes get soft and start to release oil, which means the masala is thickening.
- Next, add turmeric, garam masala, red chili powder, and cumin powder to the mix. These spices will give a big burst of flavor to the dish.
- After that, add the chopped capsicum and sauté for a couple of minutes. This way, the capsicum stays crunchy, which adds a nice texture to your meal.
4. Combine the Macaroni with the Masala
- Once the masala is cooked nicely, add the boiled macaroni to the pan. Then, mix it all together really well so the macaroni is coated with the tasty masala!
If you like a tangy flavor, go ahead and stir in some tomato ketchup. Then, add a little more salt if needed. This will help balance the spiciness and make the dish a bit sweet!
- Now, let everything cook together for about 3 to 4 minutes. This way, all the flavors can mix really well!
5. Final Touches and Garnishing
Finally, add some fresh coriander leaves on top of the Masala Macaroni for a nice look and flavor. If you want it to be cheesy, you can also sprinkle some grated cheese on top!
Now that the macaroni is ready, serve hot and enjoy!
Variations
- First, you can add vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers for extra crunch and nutrition.
- Next, for a protein boost, try adding beans, tofu, or even chicken.
- You can experiment with different spices, such as cumin or coriander powder, to change the flavor.
- Lastly, top it with cheese for a creamy, cheesy twist that kids will love!
Masala Macaroni as a One Pot Meal
Masala macaroni is the perfect one-pot meal for busy days when you need something quick and tasty.
1. First, simply cook the macaroni in a single pot with all your spices and vegetables, saving time on clean-up.
2. Next, for a more filling meal, you can easily add veggies like peas, carrots, or corn.
3. Try adding protein like beans, chicken, or tofu for extra nutrition and flavor.
4. Finally, this dish can be customized based on what you have at home, making it both easy and versatile!
Masala Macaroni for Meal Prep
Masala macaroni is a fantastic choice for meal prep!
1. First, it’s easy to make in large batches, so you can have lunch or dinner ready for several days.
2. Next, to store it properly, let the macaroni cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers.
3. This way, it stays fresh and flavorful. If you plan to reheat, add a splash of water or milk to keep it moist.
4. Finally, store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, and it will be just as tasty when reheated!
Expert Tips
1. Cook the macaroni al dente (firm to the bite) to avoid it getting mushy.
2. Temper the cumin seeds in hot butter to release their flavor before adding other ingredients.
3. Then, sauté the onions and tomatoes until they become soft, which brings out their sweetness.
4. Adjust the spices like chili powder and garam masala to suit your taste for more heat or flavor.
5. Finally, for extra richness, you can add a bit of cheese on top for a creamy finish!
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❔FAQs
Yes, you can use other pasta shapes such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle if macaroni is not available. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the shape.
Common spices include cumin seeds, garam masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and cumin powder. These spices create the distinct Indian flavor profile of the dish.
Absolutely! Masala Macaroni is naturally vegetarian. You can add vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or carrots for extra nutrition and flavor.
Yes, you can use different types of cheese such as cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan. Cheese adds creaminess and enhances the flavor of the dish.
Sauté the spices and vegetables in the Instant Pot, then add the uncooked macaroni and sauce ingredients. Cook on high pressure for a few minutes, then release the pressure and stir before serving.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Masala Macaroni
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 Cup Macaroni pasta
- 1 tablespoon Butter
- 1 tablespoon Oil
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- 1 Large onion, finely chopped
- 2 Tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 Capsicum, finely chopped
- 2 Green chilies, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon Garam masala
- ½ teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
- ½ teaspoon Cumin powder
- Salt to taste
- ¼ Cup Tomato ketchup
- Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish
- Grated cheese (optional)
Instructions
Boil the Macaroni
- First, start by boiling 4-5 cups of water in a big pot. Then, add a pinch of salt and 2 cups of macaroni to the boiling water.
- Next, cook the pasta until it's al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes according to the package.
- After that, remember that the texture of the pasta is really important for the perfect dish. Finally, drain the water and set the macaroni aside!
Prepare the Masala Base
- In a big pan, first heat 1 tablespoon of oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Next, add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds and let them splutter, which will make the dish smell really good.
- Then, add the finely chopped onions and stir them occasionally until they turn golden brown. While you do this, you can chop the tomatoes and capsicum.
- After that, add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for about a minute until the raw smell goes away.
Add Spices and Vegetables
- First, add the chopped tomatoes and green chilies to the pan. Cook them until the tomatoes get soft and start to release oil, which means the masala is thickening.
- Next, add turmeric, garam masala, red chili powder, and cumin powder to the mix. These spices will give a big burst of flavor to the dish.
- After that, add the chopped capsicum and sauté for a couple of minutes. This way, the capsicum stays crunchy, which adds a nice texture to your meal.
Combine the Macaroni with the Masala
- Once the masala is cooked nicely, add the boiled macaroni to the pan. Then, mix it all together really well so the macaroni is coated with the tasty masala!
- If you like a tangy flavor, go ahead and stir in some tomato ketchup. Then, add a little more salt if needed. This will help balance the spiciness and make the dish a bit sweet!
- Now, let everything cook together for about 3 to 4 minutes. This way, all the flavors can mix really well!
Final Touches and Garnishing
- Finally, add some fresh coriander leaves on top of the Masala Macaroni for a nice look and flavor. If you want it to be cheesy, you can also sprinkle some grated cheese on top!
- Now that the macaroni is ready, serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Variations
-
- First, you can add vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers for extra crunch and nutrition.
-
- Next, for a protein boost, try adding beans, tofu, or even chicken.
-
- You can experiment with different spices, such as cumin or coriander powder, to change the flavor.
-
- Lastly, top it with cheese for a creamy, cheesy twist that kids will love!
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