Masala macaroni is an Indian-style pasta dish made by sautéing cooked macaroni with spices, onions, tomatoes, and green chilies. It’s flavorful and quick to prepare, often garnished with fresh herbs or cheese. This comforting dish combines the textures of pasta with vibrant Indian flavors, making it a favorite for all ages.
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!
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!
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Masala Macaroni
Amount per Serving
Calories
350
% Daily Value*
Fat
15
g
23
%
Saturated Fat
6
g
38
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
7
g
Cholesterol
20
mg
7
%
Sodium
600
mg
26
%
Potassium
400
mg
11
%
Carbohydrates
50
g
17
%
Fiber
5
g
21
%
Sugar
5
g
6
%
Protein
10
g
20
%
Vitamin A
500
IU
10
%
Vitamin B1
0.1
mg
7
%
Vitamin B2
0.1
mg
6
%
Vitamin B3
2
mg
10
%
Vitamin B5
0.3
mg
3
%
Vitamin B6
0.1
mg
5
%
Vitamin C
10
mg
12
%
Vitamin E
0.5
mg
3
%
Vitamin K
4
µg
4
%
Calcium
100
mg
10
%
Iron
3
mg
17
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.