Indian · serves 2

Masala Macaroni

Pasta cooked like a sabzi. Twenty minutes and children finish the plate.

20 min Easy Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 300g macaroni
  • 2 onions, 1 capsicum, chopped
  • 3 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp red chilli powder
  • 1 tbsp pav bhaji masala or garam masala
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • Cheese

Method

  1. Boil the macaroni 1 minute less than the packet, drain, toss with a little oil.
  2. Butter, cumin, onions till soft, then capsicum.
  3. Tomatoes and all the powders with salt. Cook 6 minutes till pulpy.
  4. Ketchup in — it sounds wrong and it's what makes this version work.
  5. Macaroni folded through with a splash of pasta water.
  6. Grated cheese on top, off the heat.

Questions people ask about Masala Macaroni

How long does Masala Macaroni take?

About 20 minutes from starting to sitting down, and it is straightforward. That is start-to-finish, so it works on a weeknight when you have not planned anything.

What can I use instead of pasta in Masala Macaroni?

Use any short shape holds sauce better than long; cooking time changes, so go by the packet.

Can I make Masala Macaroni ahead of time?

You can prepare it a few hours ahead and reheat gently. It keeps two days in the fridge, though it is best on the day.

Is Masala Macaroni vegetarian?

Yes, it is vegetarian. It is not vegan as written because it contains dairy; swap the dairy for a plant alternative and the rest of the method is unchanged.

What do you serve with Masala Macaroni?

Roti or plain rice, with something sharp on the side: curd, pickle or sliced onion. It serves two as written. Double everything to feed four, but use a wider pan so the food still browns rather than steams.

Don't know what to cook? Let it decide →

More ideas by ingredient

If you liked this

Upgraded Masala Maggi
10 min · Easy
Quick Masala Chana
10 min · Easy
Saffron Fromage
10 min · Easy
Chana Chaat (Chickpea Chaat)
10 min · A proper cook
10-minute Vegan Dal with Basic Tomato Onion Sauce
10 min · Easy
Chilli Cheese Toast
12 min · Easy