Cheese macaroni is a comfort food classic that has won hearts worldwide, and its Indian twist brings a vibrant medley of flavors and textures to your plate. This Cheese Macaroni Veg Recipe of India blends creamy cheese with colorful vegetables and aromatic Indian spices, creating a delicious, wholesome meal perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this recipe promises satisfaction with every bite. The fusion of melted cheese, al dente macaroni, and sautéed vegetables seasoned with traditional Indian spices delivers a unique taste that’s both familiar and exciting.
Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the ingredients, equipment, and step-by-step instructions to make your own delicious Indian-style cheese macaroni. I’ll also share tips on how to customize it to your liking and some interesting variations.
Let’s dive into this cheesy, veggie-packed delight!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a perfect marriage of comfort and nutrition. The creamy cheese sauce enveloping the pasta and vegetables is incredibly satisfying, making it a hit with kids and adults alike.
Here’s why it stands out:
- Indian flavor infusion: With spices like cumin, garam masala, and turmeric, this macaroni has a distinct Indian twist.
- Loaded with vegetables: It’s packed with colorful veggies like bell peppers, carrots, and peas, making it wholesome.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy days.
- Versatile: You can easily adjust the spice level or add protein for variation.
- Family-friendly: A great way to get kids excited about eating veggies.
Ingredients
- Macaroni pasta: 2 cups (uncooked)
- Mixed vegetables: 1 cup (carrots, bell peppers, peas, corn)
- Butter: 2 tablespoons
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Green chili: 1 small, finely chopped (optional)
- Tomato: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Milk: 1 cup, warm
- All-purpose flour: 2 tablespoons
- Grated cheese: 1.5 cups (cheddar or processed cheese)
- Cumin seeds: 1 teaspoon
- Garam masala: 1/2 teaspoon
- Turmeric powder: 1/4 teaspoon
- Red chili powder: 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
- Salt: to taste
- Black pepper powder: 1/4 teaspoon
- Fresh coriander leaves: 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (optional, for sautéing)
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander or strainer
- Non-stick pan or skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and chopping board
- Mixing bowl
- Grater (for cheese)
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni: Boil water in a large pot with a pinch of salt. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente (about 7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat butter and olive oil (if using) in a pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add onions, garlic, and green chili: Sauté until onions turn translucent and fragrant.
- Add chopped tomatoes: Cook until soft and mushy, stirring occasionally.
- Add mixed vegetables: Stir-fry for 5 minutes until they are slightly tender but still crisp.
- Spice it up: Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Prepare cheese sauce: In a small bowl, mix flour with a little warm milk to make a smooth paste. Pour the remaining warm milk into the pan with vegetables and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken the sauce: Slowly add the flour-milk mixture to the pan, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens.
- Add cheese: Stir in grated cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust salt or spices if needed.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked macaroni into the sauce and mix thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh coriander leaves on top and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
For a protein boost, add boiled chickpeas or paneer cubes when adding vegetables.
Try using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier twist.
If you prefer a spicier version, increase the green chili or add a pinch of chaat masala before serving.
For an extra cheesy flavor, top the dish with mozzarella and bake for 5 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 350 kcal |
Protein | 15 g |
Carbohydrates | 40 g |
Fat | 12 g |
Fiber | 5 g |
Calcium | 200 mg |
Vitamin A | 30% DV |
Iron | 10% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This Indian-style cheese macaroni pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or a bowl of fresh cucumber raita to balance the richness. You can also serve it as a hearty main dish for lunch or dinner.
For a festive touch, accompany it with some Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe or a tangy Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe that complements the cheesy flavors.
Conclusion
The Cheese Macaroni Veg Recipe of India is a delightful fusion dish that brings together the best of both worlds: the creamy, cheesy comfort of classic macaroni and the vibrant, aromatic spices of Indian cuisine.
It’s a versatile, easy-to-make recipe that can be enjoyed by the whole family, offering a healthy dose of vegetables and protein alongside indulgent cheese. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings, this recipe won’t disappoint.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetables or spice levels to make it your own. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also want to try the delicious Peda Recipe Ricotta Cheese for a sweet treat or the savory Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe for a protein-packed dinner.
Happy cooking and enjoy your cheesy Indian macaroni!
📖 Recipe Card: Cheese Macaroni Veg Recipe of India
Description: A delicious fusion of classic macaroni with Indian spices and vegetables, topped with melted cheese. Perfect for a quick and flavorful meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium tomato, chopped
- 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans), chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 cup grated cheese
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds until they splutter.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add tomatoes and cook until soft.
- Add mixed vegetables, turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, and salt; cook for 5 minutes.
- Add boiled macaroni and mix well with the vegetable masala.
- Sprinkle grated cheese on top and cover the pan to melt the cheese.
- Serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 14 g | Carbs: 38 g
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