MUM'S BUITONI/ MASALA PASTA
Mum's Buitoni/ Masala Pasta is a pasta with an Indian twist. It has all the spices that would go into any typical daily curry. Mum's Buitoni/ Masala Pasta is not only tasty but also never fails to bring back fond memories of my childhood and my mum.
Ingredients
- 1 cup macaroni/ditali
- 4 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
FOR THE SAUCE/CURRY:
- ½ cup onion finely chopped
- 1 cup fresh tomato puree
- 1 tbsp garlic paste
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 tsp ginger paste
- ½ tsp chilli paste
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- ½ tsp red chilli powder
- ¼ tsp mustard seeds
- ½ tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp sugar optional
- 1½ tsp salt
- 2-3 tbsp fresh coriander chopped
Instructions
BOIL THE PASTA:
- Boil 4 cups of water in a pan. When its boiling, add the macaroni, 1 tsp salt and oil. Cook till it is just done. Usually the cooking time is indicated on the packet. Mine took about 8 minutes.
- Drain the pasta into a colander or sieve. Save the water in which you boiled the pasta.
PREPARE THE SAUCE/ CURRY BASE:
- To prepare the sauce, heat the oil in a pan over medium heat.
- When it becomes hot, add mustard and cumin seeds. When the seeds sizzle, add the chopped onion.
- Stir fry the onion till it is light pink in colour. Add the garlic, chilli and ginger paste. Stir fry for a few seconds.
- Add the turmeric, chilli and coriander cumin powder. Mix.
- Add the tomato puree, salt and sugar. Let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes over medium heat.
- Add the macaroni including about 1 cup of the water in which the macaroni was boiled.
- Simmer the pasta for 5 minutes over low heat.
- Garnish with chopped coriander.
- Serve piping hot on its own or with bread.
Notes
- If you use canned tomatoes then you may have to increase the amount of sugar.
- It tastes pretty good even the next day if you don't mind eating soft pasta.
- Add the pasta just before you are ready to serve it.
- Add more water for a more soupy base.
- Be careful when you add salt to the sauce as later you will be adding the salty water in which the pasta is boiled.
- Adjust the spices according to your taste.