Searching for a fun and delicious snack to whip up for your kids during the holidays? This crispy macaroni recipe is just what you need! Perfect with a cup of tea or as a standalone snack, it’s made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Ready in less than 30 minutes, follow this easy step-by-step guide to create a tasty treat that will have your little ones coming back for more!
Ingredients for Crispy Macaroni:
- 200 grams macaroni (any type will do, but elbow
- macaroni is a popular choice)
- 2 liters water (for boiling the macaroni)
- 1 tablespoon salt (to season the water while boiling)
- 2 tablespoons oil (to keep the macaroni from sticking)
- 3 tablespoons cornflour (for coating the macaroni before frying)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to add a touch of sweetness to the spice mix)
- 2 pinches citric acid (for a tangy flavor; you can substitute with chaat masala or lemon juice)
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (for a mild, spicy kick)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for seasoning the spice mix)
- 1 tablespoon dried mint (to enhance the aroma and flavor of the spice mix)”
Step-by-Step Guide to Prepare Crispy Macaroni
1. Boil the Macaroni
- Bring 2 liters of water to a boil in a large pan.
- Add 1 tablespoon of salt and 2 tablespoons of oil to the boiling water.
- Add 200 grams of macaroni and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cook the macaroni until it is about 85-90% done, which takes around 8-10 minutes.
2. Drain and Cool the Macaroni
- Drain the boiled macaroni using a colander.
- Rinse immediately with cold water to stop the cooking and maintain the desired texture.
- Place the cooled macaroni in a separate bowl for the next steps.
3. Prepare the Cornflour Coating
- Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of cornflour over the cooled macaroni.
- Gently mix with your hands to ensure each piece is evenly coated.
- Set the coated macaroni aside and prepare the spice mix.
4. Create the Spicy Masala Mix
- In a grinder or blender, add the following ingredients:
- 15-20 whole black peppercorns (or 1 teaspoon ground pepper)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 pinches of citric acid (or 1 teaspoon chaat masala)
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon dried mint
- Blend everything into a fine powder to create a flavorful masala mix.
5. Fry the Macaroni
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the cornflour-coated macaroni.
- Allow the macaroni to fry undisturbed for 4-5 minutes.
- Stir gently and continue frying until the macaroni turns golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fried macaroni with a slotted spoon and place it on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
6. Season the Macaroni
- While the macaroni is still hot, sprinkle the prepared masala mix over it.
- Toss thoroughly to ensure the spices evenly coat each piece.
7. Serve and Store
- Serve the crispy macaroni with tea or as a tasty snack for children.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Comparison Table: Ingredient Substitutes
| Original Ingredient | Substitute |
|---|---|
| Citric Acid | Chaat Masala, Lemon Juice |
| Peppercorns | Ground Pepper |
| Cornflour | All-Purpose Flour |
| Red Chili Powder | Paprika |
Additional Tips for Perfect Crispy Macaroni
- Cook to Perfection: Avoid overcooking the macaroni; it should be firm to the bite (about 85-90% cooked).
- Stop the Cooking Process: Rinse the macaroni with cold water immediately to halt further cooking and preserve its texture.
- Ensure Crispy Texture: Coat the macaroni with cornflour to achieve an extra crispy texture when fried.
- Season While Hot: Sprinkle the masala mix over the hot macaroni for optimal flavor absorption.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat macaroni instead?
Yes, you can use whole wheat macaroni; just follow the same cooking instructions.What can I use if I don’t have cornflour?
You can substitute cornflour with all-purpose flour, but the texture may not be as crispy.How long can I store the crispy macaroni?
Store in an airtight container for up to a week at room temperature.Can I bake the macaroni instead of frying?
Yes, bake the macaroni at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes or until golden and crispy.
Meet Misha Mehboob, a passionate food enthusiast and computer science student from Sargodha University. Misha’s culinary journey is fueled by her love for exploring new flavors and experimenting in the kitchen.
At CrispyEatHub, Misha shares her creative recipes and practical cooking tips to inspire fellow food lovers on their culinary adventures. From quick weeknight dinners to indulgent desserts, there’s something delicious for every palate.
Join Misha as she combines her love for food and technology to create mouthwatering dishes that delight the senses and bring people together. Let CrispyEatHub be your go-to resource for culinary inspiration and delicious recipes that make every meal memorable.
