Chand raat mubarak Everyone

Ingredients

• 200 g Macaroni (short pasta, uncooked)
• 2 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes, softened)
• 100 g Cheddar Cheese (shredded, sharp)
• 100 ml Milk (whole milk or 2%)
• 1 tsp Salt (fine sea salt)
• 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• a few drops Food Coloring (optional) (red or pink for festive look)
• 150 g Pakistani Snack Mix (mix of sev, masala peanuts, fried chickpeas)
• 10 g Fresh Cilantro (chopped for garnish)

Instructions

1. Boil the macaroni

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8‑9 minutes.

   Time: PT10M

2. Drain and return to pot

   Drain the macaroni in a colander, then return it to the pot over low heat for 1 minute to evaporate excess moisture.

   Time: PT2M

3. Make the cheese sauce

   Add butter, shredded cheddar, milk, salt and pepper to the hot macaroni. Stir until a smooth, glossy sauce coats the pasta.

   Time: PT5M

4. Add food coloring (optional)

   Stir in a few drops of red or pink food coloring until evenly tinted.

   Time: PT2M

5. Preheat the oven

   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 180°C

6. Shape the car pinata

   Line a baking sheet with parchment. Spread the macaroni mixture into a rectangular slab about 1‑inch thick. Using a knife, cut out a car silhouette, leaving a small opening on the roof for filling.

   Time: PT5M

7. First bake to set shape

   Place the shaped macaroni on the baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden and firm.

   Time: PT15M

   Temperature: 180°C

8. Cool slightly and add filling

   Remove from oven and let cool for 3 minutes. Spoon the Pakistani snack mix into the opening, spreading evenly.

   Time: PT5M

9. Seal the pinata

   Cover the opening with a small amount of the remaining macaroni mixture, pressing gently to seal. Smooth the seam with a spatula.

   Time: PT3M

10. Final bake to lock the seal

    Return the sealed pinata to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes until the top is set and lightly browned.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 180°C

11. Garnish and serve

    Remove from oven, let cool 2 minutes, sprinkle chopped cilantro on top, then serve warm as a fun Eid snack.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

350

Protein

12g

Carbohydrates

45g

Fat

12g

Fiber

3g