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5 Ways to CookMac and CheeseWith an Indian Twist!
9 min read
Posted on 17/07/2024
Quick Summary
Mac and cheese is a beloved dish enjoyed all around the world. Have you ever thought about giving it an Indian twist? This article dives into the exciting world of creating mac & cheese with a desi flair. From the aromatic spices of masala mac and cheese, a meat lover's dream of keema mac and cheese, to the flavoursome goodness of veggie-loaded mac and cheese; there's something to satiate every tastebud. With Tandoori Mac and cheese and butter chicken mac and cheese, you can take this comfort food to a whole new level of flavour. Get ready to tantalise your taste buds and explore these delicious Indian-inspired twists on mac and cheese.
Deep Dive
In a world where burgers are going all north Indian and pizzas have paneer tikka as toppings, why should mac and cheese be left behind? While the classic version is undoubtedly delicious, adding a twist to this dish can make it even more appealing to our taste buds. Let’s infuse some Indian into the Western classic dish.
Masala Mac and Cheese
Introduce your kids to the vibrant flavours of Indian spices with masala mac and cheese.
Steps to make it
1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions, then set it aside.
2. In a pan, heat ghee or oil and sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
3. Add spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala to create a flavourful base.
4. Stir in tomato sauce or puree and cook until the sauce thickens.
5. Finally, combine the cooked macaroni with the masala sauce.
6. Optionally, add chopped vegetables or cooked chicken for added nutrition and flavour.
Keema Mac and Cheese
Calling all meat lovers! Here, we will combine keema and mac and cheese in this recipe.
How to make it?
1. In a pan, cook minced meat with spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam
masala.
2. Once the meat is browned and cooked, set it aside.
3. Cook macaroni according to package instructions and set it aside.
4. In a separate pan, melt butter and whisk some flour to create a roux.
5. Slowly stir in milk, then add grated cheese and stir until it is melted.
6. Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked noodles and the keema topping.
7. Bake until it's heated through and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
Veggie-loaded Mac and Cheese
To add a burst of colour and nutrition to mac and cheese, let’s incorporate some veggies.
How to prepare it?
1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions and set it aside.
2. In a pan, sauté a mix of finely chopped carrots, bell peppers, peas, and corn.
3. You can also add spinach or grated zucchini for added nutrients.
4. In a separate saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux.
5. Gradually add milk, then stir in grated cheese for a creamy sauce.
6. Combine the cooked macaroni with the sautéed vegetables and cheese sauce for a
colourful and nutritious mac and cheese.
Tandoori Mac and Cheese
Give mac and cheese an Indian twist by infusing it with the bold flavours of tandoori masala.
Preparation Method
1. Prepare macaroni noodles as per package instructions and set them aside.
2. In a bowl, marinate chicken cubes or paneer in a mixture of tandoori masala, yoghurt, and
a squeeze of lemon juice.
3. Grill or pan-fry the marinated chicken or paneer until cooked.
4. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux.
5. Gradually add milk and stir in grated cheese until smooth.
6. Combine the cooked noodles with the tandoori chicken or paneer.
7. Now add the cheese sauce for a flavourful and satisfying mac & cheese.
Butter Chicken Mac and Cheese
Butter chicken fans, assemble! Mac and cheese with butter chicken is going to be the next
favourite on the block.
Cooking instructions
1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions and set it aside.
2. In a pan, sauté diced chicken with butter chicken spices like cumin, coriander, garam
masala, and fenugreek leaves.
3. Stir in tomato sauce or puree and cream and let it simmer until the sauce thickens.
4. Combine the cooked macaroni with the butter chicken sauce and sprinkle grated
cheese on it.
5. Bake until the cheese is melted and golden for a unique and delicious experience.
Wrapping Up
Mac and cheese is a versatile dish that can be easily adapted to cater to the taste buds of
everyone. By incorporating Indian flavours, spices, and ingredients, we can introduce a fun and
exciting twist to this comfort food. Whether it's masala mac and cheese, paneer mac and cheese,
or veggie-loaded mac and cheese; these innovative variations will surely steal everyone’s hearts.
What are you waiting for? Pick up your pans and get cooking already.
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