Masala Pasta | Indian-Style Pasta Recipe

A flavor-rich masala pasta sauce on top of perfectly cooked spaghetti = Simple & Satisfying.

This dish is a twist on your classic red sauce-topped spaghetti.  We love classic when it comes to food because it’s always a win-win. I mean, you practically know what to expect if your favorite dish has the word “classic”  in front of it.  Let’s face it…you can never go wrong.  But, sometimes, you might want to change things up a bit–you know–“kick things up a notch”.  Taking red pasta sauce and tossing in a few extra herbs and spices gives this Italian dish an Indian-style flare.  You’ll love it because it’s:

Bold

Unique

& Spicy

Oh, and check this out! Not only do the herbs and spices enhance the flavor profile of the sauce, they also add a wealth of health benefits:

3 Health Benefits of Cumin (Seeds):

-Aids in digestion

-Helps relieve stress and anxiety that cause insomnia

-Increases cognitive function

3 Health Benefits of Ginger:

-May significantly reduce menstrual pain

-May reduce muscle pain and soreness

-Can help treat chronic indigestion

3 Health Benefits of Garlic:

-Combats sickness (even the common cold)

-Helps reduce blood pressure

-Aids in improving cholesterol levels, which may lower risk of heart disease

3 Health Benefits of Dried Red Chile:

-Helps fight inflammation

-Clears congestions

-Has pain relieving properties

3 health benefits of Red Chili Powder:

-Helps maintain a healthy blood pressure

-Improves cognitive functioning

-Assists in red blood cell formation

3 Health Benefits of Garam Masala:

-Increases ability to absorb vitamins, mineral, and proteins

-Lowers blood sugar levels

-Fights bad breath

3 Health Benefits of Coriander:

-The Vitamin K in it is good for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease

-Contains anti-inflammatory properties

-Anti-septic properties help to cure mouth ulcers

Feel Good About What You Eat…Buon Appetito!

More recipe for That Green Lyfe’s Kitchen:

How to Make Basic Marinara Sauce

How to Make Chicken Style Seitan (a basic meat substitute)

Authentic Misir Wot | Ethiopian Red Lentil Stew

Vegan Red-Red Stew | Spicy Ghanaian Black-Eyed Peas

Recipe

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Masala Pasta | Spicy Indian-Style Pasta Recipe

Course Main Dish

Cuisine Italian-Fusion, Vegan

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 35 minutes minutes

Servings 6 people (approx.)

Ingredients

• 12 oz brown rice pasta (gluten free) or pasta of choice
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or olive oil
• ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 dried red chili to decrease spice level, remove some or all of the seeds
• ½ cup onion
• 2 teaspoons minced or grated garlic
• 1 ½ teaspoons grated or crushed ginger
• 1 teaspoon chile powder
• 3 cups marinara sauce Follow the link at the bottom for marinara sauce recipe. Or use store-bought
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 2 medium zucchini (cubed or half moon shapes) optional
• ½ cup water
• 1 medium tomato (chopped)
• ¼ cup cilantro (finely chopped) or use about 3-4 tablespoons of dried cilantro
• salt to taste
• ½-1 teaspoon sugar or add amount to your specific taste

Instructions

• Cook pasta according to package directions (don't forget to add a big pinch of salt to the water Note: Keep all of the ingredients to the tomato sauce handy. After adding pasta to boiling water, begin making sauce on another burner. Sauce and pasta should be ready.
• Heat coconut oil (or oil of choice) in pan. Once heated, add cumin seeds and red chili pepper. Saute for about 30 seconds. *Note remove some or all of red chili pepper seeds to decrease spiciness
• Add your onions. Cook until translucent.
• Add ginger and garlic. Saute for about 30 seconds
• Add red chili powder, garam masala, salt, and sugar. Mix immediately.
• Pour in ½ cup of water and bring to a boil. Simmer for 5 minutes.
• Add zucchini and tomato. Stir until veggies are well coated. Next, stir in marinara sauce. Bring to a simmer.
• In the meantime your pasta should be done and ready to drain. If so, drain water and set to the side.
• Add chopped cilantro to sauce. Mix in and turn off stove. (Taste sauce and adjust spices to your liking)
• To serve: Add drained spaghetti to sauce and toss well or ladle the sauce on top of the bed of pasta.

Notes

Basic Marinara Sauce recipe

Did you make this masala pasta recipe? Let me know how it turned out! 🙂 Rate it, leave a comment below and share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #thatgreenlyfe