Depending on cooks for the evening meal has become a common situation in every Indian home. Especially weekdays, when we return home tired and exhausted after an entire day of scrolling and typing vigorously across internet servers. A 45 minute aerobics session at the society club and by the time your home, its already 8 pm - Day over!
Even the most rare occasion when your maid has missed work, you dread walking into the kitchen to cook a meal and start thinking of the countless home delivery options nearby. But is that really a good option? Isn't every Indian household already combating digestive disorders, diabetes, obesity, the never ending viral spree and so many more? If there's one good thing I learnt, after living alone for three years in a not-so-fast yet competitive city, is a quick 8 pm dinner meal. I wouldn't brag but yes, I can whip up a meal quite fast and its definitely a better option than home delivery. So when the clock crosses my deity cook's usual time and I know that she's not coming to work today, I step into her shoes and decide to prep something exciting. Maybe a tuna macaroni salad?
After an obvious accomplishment and healthy meal, the next day I decide to share it with others. The only sad part, I forgot pictures. So, we'll skip the images this time and save it for another day. Here's my recipe and I suggest you try this sometime during the week for a healthy dinner time meal.
You will require:
1) Onions - 2 (chopped long)
2) Macaroni - half packet serves four servings
3) Carrot - 1
4) Peas - 200 gm
5) Pepper Powder
6) Chilli Powder
7) Salt to taste
8) Vegetable Soya Oil
9) Tuna Flakes - 1 can
Empty half packet macaroni in a boiling pot with considerable amount of water. Add a teaspoon of soya oil and mix well. Allow the macaroni to boil on medium flame. After it reaches a boiling point, simmer the stove and stir the macaroni in water. Once softened, strain the macaroni and rinse the contents with cool water to remove stickiness. Allow water to strain completely, keeping the vessel aside.
Add two tablespoons oil in a pan and allow it to heat. Empty chopped onions and let them glaze, not golden brown. Just a light glaze is good for this dish. As you notice the onion glaze, add carrots and peas to it and required amount of salt. Allow them to sauté on low flame till the veggies are cooked. Empty one tuna can into the pan and mix with the veggies. Mix well, add pepper (2 teaspoons full) and red chilli powder (1 teaspoon). Mix the spices with the veggies and tuna, adding boiled macaroni in the pan. Maintain low flame and continue to stir the ingredients well, allowing the spices to absorbed. Stir the contents in the pan for 3-4 minutes and serve.
You may garnish the dish with mayonnaise, grated cheese or boiled eggs. Stay away from them if your working towards losing weight. Vegetarians can alternate tuna with grated Paneer or cottage cheese. All the best!
