Saturday, December 04, 2010

Masala Pasta Ratatouille



Ingredients:

1 tsp Olive Oil
1-1/2 cups Water
1 cup chopped red onions
4 garlic cloves, minced or 1/2 tsp garlic paste
1 medium eggplant, cubed
1 large Persian cucumber, cubed
1 cup mixed vegetables, baby corn, beans, carrots and mushrooms
1 tomato, chopped
1 cup Penne pasta or any regular or whole wheat pasta,
2 tsp tomato paste,
1 tsp Basil leaves,
1/2 tsp Rosemary leaves,
1/2 tsp Oregano leaves,
Salt to taste,
1 tsp Garam masala powder, 
1 tsp Amchur powder,
1 tsp Chaat masala,
1 tsp cumin seeds,
Fresh ground black pepper to taste.


Method:

1.  In a non-sick frying pan over medium heat, pour 1 tsp olive oil. Add the chopped onions, garlic, cumin seeds and fry for 2 minutes.

2. Then add to the pan, eggplant, persian cucumber, mixed vegetables, tomato and cook stirring frequently for 5 minutes.

3. Now add the pasta to the pan and stir in for 2 minutes, then add 1-1/2cups of water, garam masala, amchur powder, chaat masala, salt to taste, basil, oregano and rosemary leaves, cover the pan and cook until the pasta is al dente or the water has been absorbed.

4. Sprinkle some fresh ground pepper and serve hot.


Note:
You can find amchur powder and chaat masala at any Indian store, but if you cannot find them, you can give them a miss and still enjoy the masala flavored pasta.