Masala Pasta – Desi Style

Step 1: Prepare Water for Pasta

In a pan, add 1 liter of water, 1 tablespoon of cooking oil, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix well and bring to a gentle boil.

Step 2: Boil Pasta

Add 200g of penne pasta to the boiling water. Mix and boil for 7-8 minutes until the pasta is approximately 90% cooked. The pasta should be easily cut with a knife.

Step 3: Drain and Rinse Pasta

Immediately turn off the heat, drain the boiled pasta using a sieve, and rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics

Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a wok or pan over medium flame. Add 1 tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste and 3 tablespoons of finely chopped onion. Sauté for 1 minute until the onions soften.

Step 5: Cook Chicken

Add 250g of small chicken pieces and 2 tablespoons of white vinegar to the pan. Mix well. Add 1/2 cup of water, cover with a lid, and cook for 10 minutes until the chicken is tender.

Step 6: Add Tomato Paste and Spices

Remove the lid. Add 1 cup of tomato paste (from 2 large tomatoes), 1 tablespoon of red chili powder, and 1 tablespoon of salt. Mix all ingredients thoroughly. Add 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder and mix again. Cook for 5 minutes until the raw smell of tomatoes is gone and the paste softens.

Step 7: Add Vegetables and Sauces

Add 1/2 cup of boiled sweet corn, 1/2 cup of finely chopped carrots, and 1/2 cup of finely chopped capsicum (bell pepper). Then add 3 tablespoons of tomato ketchup, 2 tablespoons of fresh cream, and 3 tablespoons of diced mozzarella cheese.

Step 8: Combine and Mix

Mix all the ingredients well, ensuring not to overcook the vegetables to maintain their crunch. Keep the flame on medium.

Step 9: Add Pasta and Serve

Add the previously boiled pasta to the sauce. Mix thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated with the masala sauce. Dish out the masala pasta onto a serving plate. Garnish with fresh chopped coriander and a few sweet corn kernels. Serve hot.

• Do not overcook pasta; boil until 90% done to prevent mushiness.

• Rinse boiled pasta with cold water to stop the cooking process.

• Do not overcook vegetables to maintain their crunch.

• Adjust spice levels according to your preference.

• Substitute mozzarella cheese with mayonnaise for a different creamy texture.

• Add green onions for extra flavor and color.

• Use different vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers of various colors.