Masala Pasta – A pasta recipe with an Indian twist. This desi style flavorful pasta is loaded with veggies and spiced with basic Indian spices. It doesn’t have any cheese in it yet tastes super delicious. Makes a perfect meal that everyone will enjoy.
My parents are visiting from India. They love to try new food but are the happiest when served Indian food. This pasta recipe just fits the bill…as they can now enjoy Italian pasta with Indian flavors. This fusion pasta recipe is easy to make, packed with flavors, off beat and a crowd pleaser. Not only is this dish a crowd pleaser, but also it can be put together in under 1 hour. I generally make this on those days when I don’t know what to cook. And the addition of veggies sneaks in some extra nutrition too. If you are looking for a fusion recipe to try…. look no further and make this masala elbow macaroni.
What is Masala Pasta:
Masala Pasta is a fusion pasta recipe. I have incorporated familiar ingredients from two different cuisines to create this recipe i.e. masala from Indian cuisine and pasta from Italian cuisine. This recipe is a great way to introduce new flavors and textures to the people who like to explore new food experiences.
Ingredients to make masala pasta:
Pasta: I have used gluten free elbow macaroni pasta for this recipe. Alternatively, you can use any short pasta including shells, farfalle penne, rigatoni and fusilli.
Spices/ Masala: To add some spice and heat to this recipe I have added tandoori masala, garam masala, chilli powder, turmeric powder and dried fenugreek powder to this recipe. You can substitute tandoori masala with kitchen king masala. The flavors will certainly change but the end product will taste delicious.
Veggies: I have added onions, green bell pepper, carrots and corn to this pasta. You can add your choice of veggies like french beans, green peas, zucchini, broccoli. This recipe can be made sans any veggies but adding them makes this recipe more wholesome.
Tomato paste: I have used tomato paste in this recipe. Tomato paste is nothing but concentrated tomatoes. If you don’t have tomato paste use Ketchup in 1:1 ratio. Ketchup is more salty, sweet and tangy than tomato paste but wont affect the taste too much.
How to make masala pasta:
Cooking Macaroni
Read the package instructions to cook the elbow macaroni pasta.
Make sure you don’t add oil to the pasta water. Adding oil makes the pasta slippery which means the masala will not adhere to pasta.
Add salt to the pasta water when it comes to boil and before you add pasta. The salt will be absorbed by pasta as it cooks, enhancing the flavor of the pasta.
Drain all the water and keep the boiled macaroni aside.
Cooking Veggies
Heat butter and oil in a pan. Add ginger, garlic and onions. Sauté until the onions turn soft. Add tomato paste, thin the paste by adding some water.
Once onions are done add carrots, bell pepper, tandoori masala, turmeric powder, chili powder, salt, fenugreek leaves. Sauté veggies and masala for 2 minutes.
Add cooked elbow macaroni to the veggies and give everything a good mix.
Garnish with cilantro and serve.
Variations:
You can easily substitute tandoori masala with kitchen king masala or pav bhaji masala. The flavor profile will be different yet very delicious.
You can use any short pasta shells, farfalle penne, rigatoni and fusilli instead of elbow macaroni.
Make this recipe more indulgent by adding heavy cream or cheese.
How to make this pasta a meal:
Serve it with
Here’s another fusion pasta recipe that you may like.
