Macaroni is the super comfort food for people across the world. It is a dry pasta shaped like small tubes made with durum wheat, hard wheat which gives a chewy and resilient texture. Macaroni can be turned into so many delicacies with a blast of rich flavours. Traditionally it was originated from Italy, macaroni was typically prepared with a generous amount of cheese, but now it has been adapted and greatly rigged up with our own version of sauces, masalas and spices.
Though Mac and Cheese remains undeniably the favourite of all, macaroni melds well with any ingredient which makes it a wonder food to make some wholesome delights. It is usually made from the same dough of pasta but comes in a specific shape-C shaped narrow tube and curved macaroni also known as elbow macaroni which is quite favourite among all. It is simple, easy and can be quickly prepared when compared to pasta.
You can make it to a healthy meal by adding veggies and proteins of your choice or a guilt-free indulge meal with a liberal amount of cheese or a quick snack to curb untimely hunger pangs. Children love eating macaroni prepared with desi masalas and veggies which can also be packed in wholesome lunch.
Read on, to discover two simple, easy and delicious macaroni recipes, that are also super healthy to boost your energy levels and metabolism.
Macaroni Recipes
Masala Macaroni
If you crave for desi flavours then you can turn regular macaroni into masala macaroni imparted with classic Indian aroma and flavours. Macaroni blended with onion-tomato paste with a spectrum of herbs makes for a great spicy meal.
Ingredients
To Cook Macaroni
1 cup macaroni any shape
1 tsp oil
Salt to taste
Water as required
For The Masala
2 tsp olive oil or any other cooking oil
2 cloves finely chopped, garlic
1 cup finely chopped, onion
1 finely chopped, tomato
6-8 florets cauliflower or broccoli
1 finely chopped, carrot
½ cubed, capsicum
1 tsp Kashmiri chili powder
½ tsp garam masala
Salt to taste
2 tbsp tomato sauce
1 tsp pepper powder
Few finely chopped, spring onions
Macaroni Cooking Method
Boil water in a large pan with 1 tsp of salt and 1 tsp of oil.
Add the macaroni to the boiling water and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally and gently until the macaroni is soft.
Drain the cooked macaroni into a sieve. Transfer to a bowl of cold water to prevent it from sticking, drain again and keep aside.
Masala Macaroni Method:
Heat a kadai with oil add garlic and sauté well, then add onions and cook till it turns pink. Add tomatoes and sauté until soft and mushy.
Add chopped vegetables and cook for 5 minutes until half cooked.
Now add the masalas, salt and stir on low flame till the spices get cooked.
Finally, pour tomato sauce and pepper powder and add the cooked macaroni, stir gently coating the masala well.
Switch off the stove, top it with chopped spring onions.
Relish the tempting masala veggie macaroni for a wholesome meal at lunch.
Nutritional Facts
Macaroni imbued with a good source of dietary fibre and carbohydrates supports normal digestion and boost energy. Onions provide antioxidants and cancer-fighting compounds, tomatoes supply vitamin A and lycopene for proper vision and skin health and carrots abound in vitamins bolsters the immune system. Cauliflower rich in Sulforaphane and dietary fibre fights inflammation and promotes weight loss. Herbs and spices loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C combats free radicals and lowers the risk of diseases.
Macaroni Cheese Delight
Macaroni cheese delight is a tweaked desi style of mac and cheese melded with flavourful Indian spices.
Also Read: Cheese: Why You Should Eat These 5 Varieties For Nutrition And Weight Loss
Ingredients
1 cup cooked macaroni
100 gms grated mozzarella cheese
1 tsp pepper powder
1 cup tomato puree
1 tsp chilli powder
1 tsp finely chopped, garlic
2 finely chopped, green chillies
2 tbsp butter
Salt to taste
Few finely chopped, spring onions
Method
Heat a kadai, add butter, garlic, tomato puree, salt, red chilli powder, black pepper powder, green chillies and sauté until tomato is well cooked and oil separates.
Now toss in the cooked macaroni, along with spring onion until it coats with the masala.
Switch off the flame and remove the pan from the stove.
Add the grated cheese and mix well until cheese melts.
Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy macaroni as a snack.
Nutritional Facts
Macaroni comprises a noteworthy amount of calories for instant energy, while tomatoes is bestowed with vitamin B6, B1, B3, C, K, folate, potassium, iron and zinc lowers the risk of heart disease and cancer. Cheese packed with an abundance of calcium, protein, fat and vitamin b 12 fortifies bones and keep you satiated.
