Spicy Macaroni and Vegetables

Last night, my little one didnt seem very keen on having rice for dinner.. So, I wanted to make something he would get interested about..So, checked the pantry and the fridge looking for ideas.. I had a pack of mixed vegetables and some edamame pods. Hmm.. Can use these in something I thought ! Luckily I still had some "elbow macaroni" in the pantry. So, decided to whip up a quick vegetable macaroni and here is the final outcome.... ta-da...



Ingredients:
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2 Cups Elbow Macaroni (You can use other types of pasta too)

1 Tomato (Chopped)
1 Onion (Chopped)
2 Cups of Mixed Vegetables (corn, green peas, carrot, green beans) (I used the Frozen Mixed Vegetables)
1 tsp Red Chilli powder (adjust as you like)
1/2 Cup Edamame (soy beans) (I used the frozen whole pods) - optional
1 tsp Urad Dal (optional)
1 Tbsp Olive Oil
Salt to taste

Process:
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Cook the macaroni al dente as per the instructions on the package add some salt to the water while boiling it. After the macaroni is cooked, drain all water and run cold water through it to remove all the starch.

Put all the frozen vegetables in a microwavable bowl cover with transparent cling wrap and cook for about 3-4 minutes. Repeat with the edamame (soy beans) too. (or as per instructions on the package). I you used the whole pods, remove the skin and keep the beans aside.

In a wide pan, add the olive oil and when ready, add urad dal. Then add onions and saute. Saute until the onions are half cooked. Now add the chopped tomato. Add salt and chilli powder. Mix well.. add in the steamed frozen vegetables and the soy beans too. Cook until the tomato is well done. Add the macaroni and mix it well so that the vegetables and the macaroni get well mixed with the tomato gravy.

You may garnish with some fresh cilantro and lime juice. Or Serve as is. 3-4 servings. All the vegetables and rich protein power of the soy beans, make this a healthy filling snack or dinner thats sure to please the little ones and the not so little ones too :) Enjoy !

This recipe has been submitted to the WYF - Colour in Food event. for the color yellow.