Macaroni with vegetables

This is a throw together simple macaroni recipe, it is another tasteful way to serve Pasta. Macaroni with vegetables is a quick and easy dish to prepare. The great thing about this dish is, you can serve it as it is for a rich healthy and tasty vegetarian dish or add some kind of protein like shrimps, bacon, sausage, minced meat, etc.

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Pasta generally is such a blank canvas and tastes delicious, so even with minimal ingredients you can turn out a spectacular dish. You will also enjoy the Nigerian Jollof spaghetti.

A good pasta dish starts with well cooked pasta, read 14 tips for cooking pasta.

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To prepare Macaroni with vegetables

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 small onions (2 tablespoons finely chopped)
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon dry thyme
1/2 teaspoon dry rosemary
1/2 teaspoon tomato paste
1 cup mixed vegetables*
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
chili powder
1 seasoning cube
250g macaroni

*Use any combination of vegetables. I used:
1/4 cup  diced carrot
1/2 cup chopped cauliflower
4 mushrooms, sliced
2 tablespoons chopped tatashe (paprika pepper)
2 tablespoons chopped green pepper (1/2 small)

 

Fill a pot with enough water to cover macaroni twice (see 14 tips for cooking pasta). Bring to a rapid boil over high heat. Add salt, then add macaroni. 

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Be sure it is completely submerged, stir frequently to loosen the macaroni. Boil till al dente (cooked but still have some bite), about 8-11 minutes.

Drain using a sieve and retain 1/2 cup of the cooking water.

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Meanwhile, chop vegetables and set aside.

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In a small bowl mix tomato paste with a little of this cooking water to thin it down, set aside.

Put oil in a dry pot and place over medium heat. When hot, add thyme and rosemary. Once it gets aromatic, which takes only seconds.

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Add onions and garlic, saute for 2 minutes, add the vegetables and stir in the tomato paste. Fry for 2 minutes.

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Add the reserved cooking water and seasoning cube.

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Boil to reduce.

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Add macaroni and stir till well coated. Cook for 1 minute and take off the heat. 

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Enjoy your macaroni with vegetables as is or with a protein of choice.

Please leave a comment to let us know how it turned out.

 

 

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5 Comments

  1. My sister loves to experiment with food and new recipes. I’m showing her this 🙂

  2. Great recipes! I love the way you have explained everything about the recipes. Spaghetti is among my family favourite.

  3. Pingback: Nigerian jollof spaghetti - The Pretend Chef

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