Masala Mac and Cheese

Video Recipe:

 

Serves 2

Ingredients:

Pasta:

1 cup macaroni, dry

1 tsp refined oil

1 tsp salt

Masala paste (makes 1/4 cup):

1 big onion

1 big tomato

1 tsp ginger garlic paste

1/2 tsp turmeric powder

1 tsp chili powder

3/4 tsp garam masala

2 tsp oil

salt as required

Sauce:

1/2 tbsp unsalted butter

1 tbsp oil

1 tbsp flour

3/4 cup milk

1/2 cup reserved pasta water

1/4 cup masala paste
1/4 cup parmesan, grated

salt as required 

To garnish:

chopped coriander

Method:

1. Start by making the masala paste. Heat oil in a pan and saute the chopped onions until they are pale, soft and translucent.

2. Add chopped tomato and ginger garlic paste. Saute until tomatoes are soft and mushy, about 4 minutes.

3. Add garam masala, chili powder and turmeric powder. Keep on stove until fully cooked, about 2 to 3 minutes.

4. Allow mixture to cool before grinding to a fine paste.

5. Cook the pasta as per package instructions and your preference. Add salt and oil to the water while boiling the pasta. The salt enhances the flavor and the oil helps the pasta from sticking to each other after they are drained.

6. For the sauce, heat oil and butter in a pan.

7. Add the flour and cook for 2 to 3 minutes to remove the raw smell and taste of flour.

8. Then, add half of the milk and pasta water in small additions while stirring continuously.

9. Add masala pasta and mix well.

10. Add more milk and pasta water as required to achieve the desired consistency. Note that the sauce will thicken as it cools.
11. Add in parmesan and stir until melted.

12. Add cooked macaroni and mix well.

13. Garnish with chopped coriander and enjoy while hot!