Instant Pot Masala Pasta (Indian style Macaroni)

Ingredients

• 8 oz macaroni pasta ((about 2-2.5 cups) (or any pasta))
• 1 tablespoon ginger and garlic (minced)
• 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
• 1 green chili (finely chopped)
• 2 medium tomatoes ((about 1 cup))
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• salt, pepper (to taste)
• 1.5 cups mixed vegetables(carrot, bell pepper, corn)
• 2 tablespoons tomato ketchup
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons coriander leaves
• 2 tablespoons shredded cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   --- Instant Pot Method ---

2. 2

   Press SAUTE mode on Instant Pot. Add olive oil, and once it’s hot add minced ginger and garlic. Saute for few seconds.

3. 3

   Then add onions and green chilies, and saute till the onions are soft and translucent.

4. 4

   Then add finely chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and mushy. Then add spices like turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, salt and pepper. Give a quick stir.

5. 5

   Then add mixed veggies and cook for another minute.

6. 6

   Add some tomato ketchup and give a quick stir.

7. 7

   Add macaroni pasta, water (or veggie broth), and de-glaze the pot. Make sure there are no brown bits stuck at the bottom.

8. 8

   Close the lid on the pot, and turn the pressure valve to the SEALING position. Set the pot to MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK (High Pressure) and set the timer to 4 minutes.Let the pressure release naturally for 2-3 minutes, and then quick release the pressure.I used macaroni Pasta in this recipe, which has 8 minutes for cooking on the stovetop. So to cook on Instant Pot – Divide the cooking time by half and minus one for al dente pasta. So it's 3 minutes. For softer pasta, do 4 minutes.

9. 9

   Then quickly stir the pasta and garnish with cilantro (coriander leaves). You can also add some cheese on top.

10. 10

    Indian Style Masala Pasta is ready to be served.

11. 11

    --- Stovetop Method ---

12. 12

    Firstly, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add salt to the water and cook the pasta, according to the package instructions. I used Macaroni, but you can use your favorite pasta. Other good pasta options are penne, spaghetti, or even tortellini. Reserve some pasta water for later use.

13. 13

    Add olive oil, and once it’s hot, add minced ginger and garlic. Saute for a few seconds.

14. 14

    Then add onions and green chilies, and saute till the onions are soft and translucent.

15. 15

    Then add finely chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and mushy. Add spices like turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, salt and pepper. Give a quick stir.

16. 16

    Then add the mixed vegetables and cook till they are tender. It takes about 2-3 minutes.

17. 17

    Add some tomato ketchup and give a quick stir. You may also add hot sauce if needed.

18. 18

    Add cooked pasta, and reserved pasta water, and mix well. Cook for another 1-2 minutes so that the pasta absorbs the flavor. Garnish with cilantro (coriander leaves). You can also add some cheese on top.

19. 19

    Indian Style Masala Pasta is ready to be served.