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.

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.

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. 

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.

Meanwhile, chop vegetables and set aside.

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.

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

Add the reserved cooking water and seasoning cube.

Boil to reduce.

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

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.