Baked Cheesy Masala Macaroni Recipe
Description:
Mac and cheese, an all-time favorite classic American comfort dish, is transformed in this recipe with a flavorful Indian twist. The addition of pav bhaji masala lends an aromatic depth to the creamy macaroni, making it a truly irresistible fusion dish. This Baked Cheesy Masala Macaroni is perfect for those who love bold flavors with a touch of spice. The combination of tender pasta, sautéed vegetables, and melting cheese ensures this dish will be a hit at your dinner table.
Cuisine: Fusion
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient Name | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Macaroni pasta | 300 grams (cooked) |
| Garlic | 6 cloves (finely chopped) |
| Onions | 2 (finely chopped) |
| Carrots (Gajjar) | 2 (finely chopped) |
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1 (finely chopped) |
| Homemade tomato puree | 2 cups |
| Pav bhaji masala | 1 tablespoon |
| Mixed Herbs (Dried) | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Britannia Cheese Block | 200 grams (grated) |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Instructions:
-
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature while preparing the rest of the dish. -
Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add 6 finely chopped garlic cloves and 2 finely chopped onions to the pan. Sauté them together until the onions turn soft and golden brown, releasing a sweet aroma. -
Cook the Vegetables:
Once the onions have turned golden, add 2 finely chopped carrots (gajjar) and 1 finely chopped green bell pepper (capsicum). Continue sautéing the mixture until the vegetables soften and develop a slight roast, ensuring they stay vibrant in color and texture. -
Prepare the Masala Sauce:
Add 2 cups of homemade tomato puree to the pan. Stir well and let the sauce simmer. Now, add 1 tablespoon of pav bhaji masala, 1 teaspoon of mixed herbs (dried), and 1 teaspoon of red chili powder. Season with salt to taste and add 1 teaspoon of sugar to balance the flavors. Stir the ingredients together and bring the sauce to a brisk boil, allowing the masala to blend thoroughly. -
Toss the Macaroni:
Add the cooked macaroni pasta to the pan with the masala sauce. Toss the pasta and vegetables together, coating the macaroni in the spicy, flavorful sauce. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, ensuring everything is well mixed and heated through. -
Prepare for Baking:
Transfer the masala macaroni into a baking dish. Spread the grated Britannia cheese evenly over the top, covering the macaroni generously. This cheese will melt into a golden, bubbly crust as the dish bakes. -
Bake the Dish:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and developed a beautiful golden brown crust. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Once the cheese has melted and the top is golden and bubbly, remove the dish from the oven. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Serve your Baked Cheesy Masala Macaroni with a side of Herbed Dinner Rolls and Broccoli Salad with Roasted Onion & Peppers for a complete meal.
This Baked Cheesy Masala Macaroni offers the perfect balance of creamy pasta, aromatic vegetables, and a rich, cheesy topping, all with a flavorful kick from the Indian-inspired spices. Whether you’re craving comfort food or looking to impress with a fusion twist, this recipe is a must-try!
