Macroli patata is one of the most comforting and flavour-packed, yet simple, Sindhi recipes that uses elbow macaroni, but is not cooked in an Italian style. This delicious macaroni and potato dish is more in the aloo sabji recipes category, which features elbow macaroni, tomatoes, potatoes, and the usual kitchen ground spices like coriander, red chilli, turmeric and garam masala powder.
This is one of the quickest Sindhi recipes out there, which dates back to the Pre-Partition era. It was brought back to India by Sindhi traders, who got macaroni on their travels to Europe and the Americas. In India, it was treated like one of the aloo sabji recipes and was cooked in an onion-tomato-based gravy with peas and potatoes. The pasta blends seamlessly in the gravy, unlike European pasta dishes, where it tends to be the co-star with the pasta sauces.
Among popular aloo sabji recipes, this Sindhi speciality stands out because of its simple ingredients and homely taste. Macaroni had been mispronounced in Sindhi homes when this dish was first created, as macroli, and the name stuck ever since. Its slightly soupy consistency makes it a comforting dish reserved for celebratory occasions or religious ones. It can also be served for family meals during weekends. It is usually served with makhana (phoolpatasha).
Peel, dice and wash the potatoes. Make sure they are roughly around 1 to 1 ½ inch cubes. Wash and chop the tomatoes as well. You can also use canned tomato puree.
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Step 2: Adding all the ingredients
Heat a pressure cooker on your stove on medium to medium-high heat. Add the oil, let it heat and add the potatoes, macaroni and chopped tomatoes or tomato puree. Also, add peas using fresh or frozen peas. Add the coriander, red chilli, turmeric powder and salt. Use a long-handled spoon to pound the masala for about 5-7 minutes; don’t crush the macaroni.
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Step 3: Adding water and simmering
Add water and seal the pressure cooker with its lid. Let the concoction cook until two whistles. Lower the heat, then cook for 4-5 minutes. Open the pressure cooker lid to check if the potatoes and macaroni are cooked.
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Step 4: Finishing touches
Transfer the macroli patata to a bowl, garnish with garam masala and chopped coriander leaves and serve.
Macaroni is usually made from durum wheat semolina, also called suji, not maida. Some cheaper brands may mix refined flour, so always check the ingredient label before buying.
Cook macaroni in plenty of salted boiling water for 8-12 minutes until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, then drain and mix immediately with sauce or seasoning.
Macaroni pasta is mainly made from durum wheat semolina and water. The dough is shaped into hollow tubes and dried, giving pasta its firm texture and chewy bite.
Macaroni is not junk food when eaten in moderation. Traditional semolina pasta provides carbohydrates and protein, but healthier versions include whole wheat or high-fibre pasta with vegetables and balanced portions.