Go Back Email Link
–+ servings
Masala macaroni in dish with bowls to side

How to make Easy Indian Style Masala Macaroni 

Safira
How to make Easy Indian style Masala Macaroni - Comforting, macaroni desi style with a luscious creamy cheese white sauce. This Macaroni Cheese recipe is perfect for those with indian taste buds and it is always a popular option for pot lucks, BBQ’s and gathering. This Super Simple Macaroni Cheese is a quick dinner recipe and is ready to eat in just 30 minutes. It is perfect to make on busy days too. 
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Lunch, Side
Cuisine American, Indian, italina
Servings 5
Calories 807 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoon Oil Vegetarian or Sunflower Oil
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds
  • 1 Onion Diced
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Paste
  • 1 teaspoon Green Chilli Paste
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • ½ Red Chilli Powder
  • ¼ Turmeric Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • ½ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Dry Oregano
  • 400 g Bolognese Sauce or Tinned Tomatoes, pureed
  • 2 tablespoon Tomato Puree
  • 500 g Macaroni
  • 5 tablespoon Butter
  • 1 Garlic Clove crushed
  • 6 tablespoon Plain Flour
  • 600 ml Milk
  • 300 g Cheddar Cheese Grated
  • 100 g Red Leicester Cheese Grated

Instructions
 

  • Add Oil to a large pot and heat over medium high.
  • Once hot, add Cumin Seeds. Stir in chopped Onions and cook till light golden brown. 2 - 3 minutes.
  • Add crushed Garlic and Green Chilli, give it a quick stir and cook for a minute.
  • Stir in ground Coriander ground Cumin, Red Chilli Powder, Turmeric Powder, Salt, Pepper and Dry Oregano. Cook for a minute or 2 adding a splash of water if needed.
  • Pour in tomato and squeeze in Tomato Puree. Cook till oil has separated at sides. About 5 minutes over medium high heat.
  • Meanwhile, bring water with 1 teaspoon salt to a rolling boil and add Macaroni. Cook for 2 minutes less then the package says or until al dente. Drain cooked macaroni and rinse under cold water.
  • Stir cooked macaroni into the Sauce with some of the Pasta water. Cook for 2 minutes and then remove from heat.
  • Make Béchamel Sauce by melting the butter in a pot/pan over medium heat. Add garlic, cook for 1 min, stir in the plain flour and whisk to combine. Cook for a further minute, then gradually add the milk whisking as you go.
  • Simmer for 5 mins, whisking continuously until thickened. Remove from the heat, stir in half the cheddar and Red Leicester.
  • Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Place into a casserole dish and top with remaining cheese. Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.

Notes

Expert Tips and Variations

grate the cheese yourself

Pre grated cheese has a coating that prevents it from clumping together but it also prevents it from melting properly.

add pasta water

For a silky smooth sauce that clings to the pasta, add some of the pasta water.  

Spices 

You can adjust the spices according to your taste and desired spice level.

Vegetables

You can add 2 cup of chopped veggies such as sweet corn, green beans, green bell peppers, red bell pepper, carrots, green peas and peppers. I would add this straight after the onions.

Soy sauce

Add a splash of Soy for extra flavour.

Make Gluten-Free

Use your favourite gluten-free pasta to make it GF.

Crunchy topping

Add panko breadcrumbs on top with for a crunch.

Use room temperature liquids 

This is not essential, it just helps the cheese sauce to thicken quicker.

The Cheese 

Use your favorites cheese. My personal favourites are the ones used in this recipe.
You can also add parmesan, gruyere, Mozzarella and gouda.

Hot Sauce

To make the masala macaroni spicier, add a splash of hot sauce or chilli sauce.

Add Protein

Add Protein such as chopped/shredded rotisserie chicken into the pasta at the end before adding cheese on top  and before baking.

Making Masala Macaroni and Cheese ahead of time

Before cooking, cover Mac and Cheese tightly with foil and place in the fridge 1-2 days ahead.
Before baking, let the casserole dish sit on counter for 30 minutes.
Bake at 200 C/gas mark 6 for 25-35 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
Like most mac and cheese recipes, this recipe loses some of it’s creaminess when it is made ahead. 
Increase the amount of sauce slightly if you need to make this recipe ahead.

Storing Mac And Cheese

Any leftovers need to be placed in the fridge and covered tightly. Or place in an airtight container. Masala Mac and cheese can be stored this way for 3-4 days.

Can Mac and Cheese be reheated?

Yes!
To reheat, stir in a splash of milk or cream and microwave partially covered with cling film.

FAQ'S

Can Mac and Cheese be frozen?

Yes
Cooked macaroni and cheese is super simple to freeze! Let it cool completely before storing. Place in an airtight container and pop into the freezer for up to 3 months.

How to thaw Mac and Cheese

Place in the fridge overnight or on the counter top for 2 hours.

How to reheat Mac and Cheese

You can use the microwave, oven, or stovetop to reheat. Don’t forget to add a splash of milk. 
The best method is to reheat it in the oven. To reheat in the oven cover it with foil, and bake it in the oven at 180C/Gas Mark 4/ 350°F until warmed through.

How do I serve Masala Macaroni?

This Macaroni tastes is a complete meal but you can pair it with:
A crisp green salad
Garlic Bread

Nutrition

Calories: 807kcalCarbohydrates: 77gProtein: 31gFat: 41gSaturated Fat: 22gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 921mgPotassium: 485mgFiber: 4gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 1044IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 632mgIron: 2mg
Keyword desi mac and cheese, indian macaroni and cheese, masala macaroni
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!