Pasta Achari

Pasta Achari is a delightful fusion dish that marries the tangy and spicy flavors of Indian pickles with al dente pasta. This dairy-free creation is perfect for those looking to savor a unique culinary experience that is both comforting and invigorating.

Ingredients

• Pasta (fusilli or penne) - 200 grams
• Mustard oil - 2 tablespoons
• Cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon
• Fennel seeds - 1 teaspoon
• Nigella seeds (kalonji) - 1/2 teaspoon
• Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Red chili powder - 1 teaspoon
• Garam masala - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Cherry tomatoes - 150 grams, halved
• Cucumber - 1 small, diced
• Fresh cilantro (coriander) - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
• Green chili - 1, finely chopped (optional)

Steps

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pan, heat the mustard oil over medium heat until hot. Add the cumin seeds, fennel seeds, and nigella seeds, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala to the pan, stirring well to combine with the spices.
4. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and diced cucumber to the pan, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
5. Toss the cooked pasta into the pan with the spiced tomato mixture, mixing well to ensure the pasta is coated in the spices.
6. Season with salt to taste and add the chopped cilantro and lemon juice. If you like it spicy, add the finely chopped green chili.
7. Serve hot, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbs: 65 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants from tomatoes and spices.
• High in fiber from cucumbers and whole grain pasta.

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