Italian meets Indian

Neelu Kaura

With the East and the West increasingly coming together, we are always looking for fusion food that incorporates the best of both worlds. Here we have a combo of the calcium rich makhanas and the ever popular spaghetti. A wholesome dish which can be had at all mealtimes.  

Noodles Doodles with Makhana Balls

Ingredients

• Spaghetti: 100gm
• Salt: to taste 
• Butter : 1 tablespoon
• Black Pepper Powder : ½ tea spoon
• Oregano: 1 pinch
• Makhana (Fox Nuts/Lotus Seeds) : ½ cup
• Onion: 2 (chopped)
• Garlic: 2 cloves (chopped)
• Tomato Puree: 1 cup,
• Tomato Ketch Up: ½ cup
• Mixed Herbs: A pinch
• Chili Flakes: 1 tea spoon
• White Oil : 2 tablespoon
• Sugar : 1 ½ tea spoon
• Veg Mayonnaise : 2 tablespoon  

Method of preparation

• Dry roast the makhanas in a non stick pan and keep aside. 
• Boil water with salt & put the spaghetti, till it becomes soft. Drain it and keep aside.
• In a non stick pan, add butter & saute spaghetti, toss with salt, oregano, black pepper powder & place it in a serving bowl.

n In a pan, add veg oil, chopped onions, garlic and sauté a bit. Add—tomato puree, ketchup, salt, sugar, chili flakes, mixed herbs & cook on a low flame. Once the oil comes out, add roasted makhanas & toss well. Place this sauce and makhana balls as a toping with the spaghetti, spread veg mayonnaise & serve.

  —As told to Poonam Bindra 
(Kaura is a Ludhiana-based culinary expert)