If there is something that is loved equally by kids, adults and other age groups, it is surely pasta. Be it arrabiata, pesto or cheese, the wide variety of combinations and sauces that can be used in pasta make the dish adjustable to everyone’s palate. Usually, pasta comes in different shapes and sizes like the bowtie pasta or the classic spaghetti. A classic Italian pasta is quite plain and simple and prepared with fewer ingredients like garlic, tomatoes, oregano and salt. But alas, how could we Indians keep our pasta so simple, especially when it is being cooked for kids? Therefore, with the passage of time, masala pasta or macaroni has become popular in almost every Indian household.
The History of Pasta
The origins and history of Pasta has been a debatable topic for years. The legend goes that Marco Polo introduced pasta to Italy after his exploration of the Far East in the late 13th century. Pasta is believed to have been discovered around the 4th century B.C., where an Etruscan tomb showed a group of natives making what appears to be pasta. The Chinese were also seen making a noodle-like recipe as early as 3000 BC.
Pasta made its way to the new world through the English, who discovered it while touring Italy. Colonists bought it in America, and the English practised cooking noodles for half an hour and smothering them in a sauce and cheese.
Today, pasta has become a family favourite and is available in different sizes, shapes and options.
We have our staple, easy peasy vegetable macaroni recipe which you can enjoy cooking in the kitchen with your little one...
Ingredients:
• 1 cup macaroni
• 1 tsp oil
• 1 tsp garlic
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 tsp chilli powder
• 1 cup tomato ketchup
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp cream
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese
• 1 tbsp chopped coriander
• Water
Method:
• Take a vessel and boil around 2 cups of water.
• Add 1 tsp salt and a tsp of oil, and let the water boil.
• Once the water starts boiling, add the macaroni pasta to the vessel and let it boil for 5-7 minutes.
• Take a macaroni with a fork, check if it is soft and if the macaroni still has a bite-like texture. Turn off the vessel from the stove, drain the hot water and wash the macaroni under a tap with cold water.
• Take a separate saucepan and add 2 tsp of oil.
• Now, add chopped garlic and onion and cook for a few seconds.
• Add 1 cup tomato ketchup to the mixture and add red chilli powder and garam masala and cook for 2-4 minutes.
• Add the boiled pasta to the saucepan and mix it well.
• Add salt to the pasta (you can add oregano and chilli flakes according to your taste).
• Now, add mozzarella cheese and cream to the saucepan.
• Mix well, garnish with chopped coriander and serve hot.
This easy macaroni will leave your child asking for more. To make it healthier, you can replace the macaroni with any wheat pasta and the mozzarella cheese with vegan cheese.
