Baked Cheesy Masala Macaroni Recipe
Overview:
Baked Cheesy Masala Macaroni brings a delightful fusion of flavors from the comforting richness of macaroni pasta and the bold, aromatic spices of Indian cuisine. This dish is baked to perfection with a layer of melted cheese on top, offering a satisfying and savory dinner experience. With a combination of vegetables and spices, this recipe is not only delicious but also offers a wonderful balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Macaroni pasta (cooked) | 300 grams |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 6 cloves |
| Onions (finely chopped) | 2 onions |
| Carrots (Gajjar) (finely chopped) | 2 carrots |
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1 pepper |
| Homemade tomato puree (blanched and pureed) | 2 cups |
| Pav bhaji masala | 1 tablespoon |
| Mixed Herbs (Dried) | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Sunflower Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Britannia Cheese Block (grated) | 200 grams |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Fusion
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions:
-
Sauté the Base Flavors:
Start by heating the sunflower oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and onions, sautéing them until the onions turn soft and golden brown. This will create a rich, aromatic base for the dish. -
Cook the Vegetables:
Once the onions have browned, add the finely chopped carrots and green bell pepper to the pan. Continue sautéing until the vegetables are tender and lightly roasted, allowing the flavors to meld together. -
Prepare the Masala Sauce:
Next, add the homemade tomato puree to the pan and stir in the pav bhaji masala, mixed herbs, and red chili powder. Season with salt to taste and a teaspoon of sugar. Let this mixture simmer on medium heat, allowing the sauce to thicken and come to a brisk boil. -
Combine with Macaroni:
Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked macaroni pasta into the pan. Toss the macaroni gently, ensuring it is well-coated with the spicy tomato masala. Allow it to cook together for 3 to 4 minutes, ensuring the pasta absorbs all the flavorful sauce. -
Transfer to Baking Dish:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Once the macaroni is well-mixed with the masala sauce, transfer it to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. -
Add the Cheese:
Generously sprinkle the grated Britannia cheese over the top of the macaroni. This will melt beautifully and create a golden, bubbly crust once baked. -
Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese has melted and turned a golden brown. The cheese should be bubbling and slightly crispy on the top, forming a delicious, cheesy crust. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the baked cheesy masala macaroni from the oven and serve it hot. Pair it with Herbed Dinner Rolls and a fresh Broccoli Salad with Roasted Onion & Peppers for a complete and satisfying dinner.
This Baked Cheesy Masala Macaroni is a perfect fusion dish that marries the richness of cheesy pasta with the vibrant, spiced flavors of Indian cuisine. It’s a comforting and flavorful dinner option that will satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving more. Enjoy this cheesy delight with your loved ones for an unforgettable meal experience!
