Malai Mac & Cheese

40 Minutes

The holiday season is all about joy, laughter, and of course, indulging in delicious treats that make your taste buds dance. If you’re looking to elevate your festive menu this year, we have the perfect fusion dish for you – Malai Mac and Cheese. This delightful concoction combines the rich flavors of malai kofta gravy, velvety shredded paneer, and perfectly cooked pasta, creating a spicy and savory experience that will have your guests begging for seconds.

Creating this mouthwatering fusion masterpiece might sound intimidating, but fear not! We’ve broken down the steps for you, making it as easy as pie – or in this case, as easy as a cheesy bowl of Malai Mac and Cheese.

The first step to crafting this culinary marvel is creating the luscious malai kofta gravy. Begin by heating a pot with a dollop of ghee, infusing it with the aromas of whole spices. This aromatic symphony includes cumin seeds, cardamom, and cloves, dancing together to set the stage for the flavor explosion to come.

Once the spices release their fragrant notes, add a medley of tomatoes, garlic, ginger, green chilies, and cashews. This not only creates a vegan-friendly gravy but also imparts a thick and creamy texture that will coat your pasta luxuriously.

Now comes the fun part – assembling the Malai Mac and Cheese. Cook your pasta to perfection, and in a separate pan, toss shredded paneer in a blend of spices to infuse it with that oh-so-crucial kick. Begin layering your pasta and paneer in a baking dish, ensuring every inch is covered in this flavorful embrace.

Pour the malai kofta gravy generously over the layers, letting it seep into every nook and cranny. Pop it into the oven, and within minutes, your kitchen will be filled with the irresistible aroma of spices and cheese melding into a holiday symphony.

The result? A Malai Mac and Cheese that’s not only easy to make but a showstopper at any festive gathering. The spicy, savory notes of the malai kofta gravy perfectly complement the creamy texture of the shredded paneer and pasta, creating a dish that will leave your guests in awe.

So, this holiday season, step outside the traditional and bring the joy of fusion flavors to your table. Malai Mac and Cheese is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of spices, warmth, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. Spice up your festivities with this fusion delight, and watch as your guests declare it the best Mac and Cheese they’ve ever had!

Malai Mac & Cheese

---

• Author: Sweta Patel
• Total Time: 40
• Yield: 6 people 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Full Screen

Ingredients

Scale

1x 2x 3x 4x 5x 6x 7x 8x 9x 10x 11x 12x 13x 14x 15x 16x 17x 18x 19x 20x

1x2x3x 4x 5x 6x 7x 8x 9x 10x 11x 12x 13x 14x 15x 16x 17x 18x 19x 20x

• 1 tbsp ghee
• 1 large onion roughly chopped
• 4 large tomatoes roughly chopped
• 3 garlic cloves roughly chopped
• 1 green chili roughly chopped
• 1 inch knob  ginger grated
• 1/4  cup cashews
• 1 tbsp ghee
• 1 tsp tumeric
• 1/2 tbsp garam masala
• 2 tsp red chili powder
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 2 tsp dried fenugreek leaves/ kasoori methi
• 1 box of rigatoni or cavatappi
• 6–8oz paneer of choice
• 1 cup gouda cheese
• salt and sugar to taste 1-2 tsp each
• Water to thin out gravy

---

Instructions

1. Cook pasta accordingly to package, drain rinse and set aside.
2. In a large pot, melt the ghee and add the ginger, garlic and green chilies. Cook for 1 min.
3. Next add the diced onions, tomatoes and cashews. Cover pot with lid and cook on med/high for 5-7 mins.
4. Transfer mixture into a blender and blend until you have a smooth consistency.
5. Into the same pot, melt ghee over low heat and add the cayenne pepper, turmeric and cook for 1 min.
6. Gently pour the gravy into the pot and add the garam masala, salt,  sugar and dried fenugreek leaves. Simmer on med/low heat for 5 mins and add cream. Turn heat off and set aside. 
7. Mix in the pasta and transfer into baking dish. Shred the paneer and gouda cheese on top. Cover baking dish with foil and bake at 350F for 10-15 mins. Enjoy!

Notes

• I used Sach Paneer – spicy habanero for this recipe
•  I love the 3 pepper Gouda that can be found at whole foods
• Try to use a bigger pasta for this recipe such a rigatoni or cavatappi pasta
• You can add breadcrumbs to the top for extra texture

• Prep Time: 10
• Cook Time: 30
• Category: Indian

Keywords: Fusion pasta, malai Mac and cheese, cheese, sach paneer, habanero