Indian Macaroni and Cheese

Elevate your comfort food game with this irresistibly flavorful Indian Macaroni and Cheese, a vibrant twist on the classic dish. This recipe combines creamy cheddar and mozzarella cheese with aromatic Indian spices like garam masala, cumin, and turmeric for a bold, savory experience. Sautéed onions, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes create a rich, spiced base, while the optional addition of green chili provides a gentle kick of heat. Tossed with perfectly cooked elbow macaroni and garnished with fresh cilantro, this dish delivers a satisfying, fusion-inspired comfort food perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Ready in just 40 minutes, it’s a family-friendly meal loaded with warmth and spice.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 250 grams elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium, finely chopped onion
• 3 cloves, minced garlic
• 1 inch piece, minced ginger
• 1 large, finely chopped tomato
• 0.5 teaspoons turmeric powder
• 0.5 teaspoons red chili powder
• 1 teaspoons garam masala
• 0.5 teaspoons cumin seeds
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1.5 cups, grated cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cups, grated mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons, chopped cilantro
• 1 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 small, finely chopped (optional) green chili

Directions

Step 1

Boil 250 grams of elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet or saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

Step 3

Add 0.5 teaspoons of cumin seeds and sauté until they begin to sizzle, about 30 seconds.

Step 4

Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 inch piece of minced ginger, and 1 small finely chopped green chili (if using). Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 6

Add 1 large finely chopped tomato along with 0.5 teaspoons of turmeric powder, 0.5 teaspoons of red chili powder, and 1 teaspoon of garam masala. Cook until the tomato softens and the spices are well blended, about 5 minutes.

Step 7

Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in 2 cups of whole milk, stirring constantly to ensure no lumps form.

Step 8

Slowly add 1.5 cups of grated cheddar cheese and 0.5 cups of grated mozzarella cheese, stirring until fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy.

Step 9

Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and 0.25 teaspoons of black pepper, adjusting the seasoning to taste.

Step 10

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring well to coat the pasta evenly.

Step 11

Garnish with 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1405 grams (1405.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2554

Total Fat 106.00g	136%
Saturated Fat 57.00g	285%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.80g
Cholesterol 302mg	101%
Sodium 6259mg	272%
Total Carbohydrate 280.00g	102%
Dietary Fiber 15.60g	56%
Total Sugars 56.60g
Protein 106.80g	214%

Vitamin D 228IU	1141%
Calcium 1824mg	140%
Iron 14mg	79%
Potassium 2149mg	46%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 38.1%

Protein: 17.1%

Carbs: 44.8%