Cooking Instructions:
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and stir immediately to prevent sticking. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the mixed vegetables and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften but remain crisp. Masala Pasta is an Indian-Italian fusion dish that caters to various spice levels, making it a versatile option for all ages.
If using ripe tomatoes, chop them and add to the pan with the sautéed vegetables. If using tomato puree, add it directly. Stir well and let it cook for another 5 minutes until the mixture is heated through.
Add the garam masala, coriander powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, turmeric, and kasuri methi to the vegetable and tomato mixture. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the spices to release their flavors.
Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about half a cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta. Add the drained pasta to the vegetable sauce and toss to combine. If the mixture appears dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.