Masala Pasta Recipe (Indian Style Pasta)

 

🌶️ Masala Pasta Recipe (Indian Style Pasta)

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Serves: 3-4

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📝 Ingredients

Pasta:

• 2 cups pasta (penne or fusilli work best)

• 1 tsp salt

• 4-5 cups water

For the Masala Base:

• 2 tbsp oil or butter

• 1 tsp cumin seeds

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 1 green chili, chopped (optional for heat)

• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste

• 1 large tomato, finely chopped

• ½ capsicum (green bell pepper), chopped

• ¼ cup boiled sweet corn (optional)

• 1 carrot, grated (optional for nutrition)

Spices:

• ½ tsp turmeric powder

• ½ tsp red chili powder

• 1 tsp garam masala

• 1 tsp coriander powder

• Salt to taste

• 1-2 tbsp tomato ketchup (adds slight sweetness)

• 1 tbsp red chili sauce (optional for extra kick)

• ¼ tsp black pepper (optional)

Garnish:

• Fresh coriander leaves

• Grated cheese (optional)

• Lemon juice

  
  
  

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🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

1. In a large pot, bring 4-5 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 tsp salt.

2. Add 2 cups of pasta and cook until al dente (firm to the bite), usually 7-9 minutes.

3. Drain the water and rinse the pasta with cold water to stop further cooking.

4. Drizzle a little oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

✨ Image Description: Steam rising from a pot of perfectly cooked penne pasta, drained and glistening with a light oil coat.

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Step 2: Prepare the Masala Base

1. Heat 2 tbsp oil or butter in a pan.

2. Add 1 tsp cumin seeds and let them crackle.

3. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.

4. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and chopped green chilies. Sauté for a minute until aromatic.

✨ Image Description: Sizzling onions and cumin in golden oil, with fragrant ginger-garlic paste creating a rich masala aroma.

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Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Veggies

1. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft and mushy.

2. Add a pinch of salt to help them break down.

3. Toss in capsicum, grated carrot, and corn. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.

✨ Image Description: A vibrant mix of tomatoes, peppers, and corn simmering in a spicy tomato masala.

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Step 4: Spice it Up!

1. Add turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, coriander powder, and salt.

2. Cook the masala for 2-3 minutes until oil starts to separate from the mixture.

3. Add ketchup and chili sauce, adjusting to your spice and sweetness preference.

✨ Image Description: Thick, deep-red masala paste bubbling gently, radiating intense Indian flavors.

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Step 5: Combine Pasta with Masala

1. Add the boiled pasta to the masala base.

2. Gently toss everything so the pasta gets coated evenly with the masala.

3. Cook on low flame for 2-3 minutes, allowing flavors to absorb.

✨ Image Description: Pasta coated in bright orange-red masala with flecks of green and yellow veggies, tossed together beautifully.

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Step 6: Garnish & Serve

1. Turn off the heat.

2. Squeeze a few drops of lemon juice for a tangy finish.

3. Garnish with chopped coriander and grated cheese if desired.

4. Serve hot!

✨ Image Description: A steaming plate of masala pasta served in a rustic bowl, garnished with coriander and melting cheese.

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🍽️ Tips & Variations

• Make it creamy: Add 2 tbsp of cream or milk while cooking the masala for a creamy twist.

• Vegan Option: Skip cheese or use vegan cheese.

• Protein Boost: Add paneer cubes or cooked chickpeas.

• No tomato ketchup? Use a bit of tomato puree or sugar instead.

• Make ahead: The masala can be made in advance and stored in the fridge.

  
  
  

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❤️ Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Fusion of flavors: A beautiful marriage of Italian pasta and Indian masala.

• Comfort food: Warm, spicy, satisfying, and nostalgic.

• Kid-friendly: Slightly sweet, tangy, and colorful.

• Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or proteins.