Our version of Mont Di is a Burmese-inspired macaroni dish made with flavorful meat curry, your favorite pasta and crunchy garnishes for a delicious meal!
This Mondi is our take on Burmese pasta dish.
Traditionally Mont Di refers to thin rice noodles, made fresh for many noodle dishes. The toppings and garnishes vary by region. This is similar to a Mandalay Mont Di found in Burma. The dish is popular street food, made with thick noodles, a meat sauce and a variety of chili oils. Other regions tend to use seafood or other types of meat in their sauces.
While our family picked up the base of this recipe from living in Burma, over time through sharing techniques and changing availability of ingredients, everyone has developed different variations. This version has been a family favorite for many years!
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Why you’ll love this recipe
If you’ve had Khao Suey, you’ll be familiar with the flavors of this Mondi. The curry base is the same as our chicken Khao suey.
But this dish doesn’t have a coconut curry, but rather topped with lots of onions, chickpeas and cilantro, almost like a pasta salad!
You will love this dish, if you love:
- a mouth-watering bold flavor from the chilli and garlic
- fresh toppings for a well-balanced meal
- easy meals, that are flexible and ready in under one hour!
Recipes you’ll love
If you’re looking for more pasta and noodle recipes, here are some of our favorites:
Ingredients & Notes
- Chicken – we prefer to use chicken thighs as there is more flavor.
- Red Chili – Dried whole red chili work best for this recipe. You can substitute with other types as well. Adjust the amount for your spice tolerance.
- Garlic – this dish has a bold garlic flavor – it’s best to use fresh garlic for the meat curry.
- Garnishes – chickpeas, onions, cilantro – add a crunch and freshness to this dish.
How to make Mondi?
Burma Saag (Meat Curry)
Add the dried red chilli, garlic, and hot water to soak the ingredients in a bowl. Or you can heat it in the microwave for a couple of minutes.
Once done, grind into a smooth paste.
Peel and chop onions into large pieces and grind them into a paste with little water if needed.
In a pot over low to medium heat, add oil. Once hot, add the garlic and red chilli paste.
Cook for a few minutes to roast the garlic and red chilli. The oil will separate and rise to the top when done.
Add the onion paste, salt and soya sauce.
Mix well and add the chicken pieces, mix and cover. Cook on low heat till oil separates. The longer you can cook it, the tastier it will be.
How to serve Mont Di (Mondi)?
To serve, on a plate, add the macaroni, a spoonful of Burma saag (curry), boiled chickpeas, diced onion, and chopped cilantro. Mix well and enjoy.
If you give this recipe a try, we’d love to see it! Tag us on Instagram @thespicemess
Mont Di (Mondi) – Burmese Inspired Macaroni
Ingredients
Burma saag
- 1 pound Chicken boneless breast or thighs, Cut into small pieces approx. ½-1.”
- 3-5 Dried red chilli adjust to preference
- 8-10 cloves Garlic
- 2 Onions medium
- 2 tablespoons Soy sauce
- ½ cup Oil
- Salt as per taste
Garnishes
- Boiled chickpeas
- Onion, diced
- Cilantro, chopped
Instructions
Burma Saag (Meat Curry)
- Add the dried red chilli, garlic, and hot water to soak the ingredients in a bowl. Or you can heat it in the microwave for a couple of minutes.
- Once done, grind into a smooth paste.
- Peel and chop onions into large pieces and grind them into a paste with little water if needed.
- In a pot over low to medium heat, add oil. Once hot, add the garlic and red chilli paste.
- Cook for a few minutes to roast the garlic and red chilli. The oil will separate and rise to the top when done.
- Add the onion paste, salt and soya sauce.
- Mix well and add the chicken pieces, mix and cover. Cook on low heat till oil separates. The longer you can cook it, the tastier it will be.
Prepare the macaroni or pasta
- In a pot, add 8-10 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then add salt and a couple of teaspoons of oil. Add the macaroni and cook as per the packet instructions until it is al-dente or to your liking.
- Once cooked, transfer to a colander to drain the water from the macaroni.
Serve Mont Di (Mondi)
- To serve, on a plate, add the macaroni, a spoonful of Burma saag (curry), boiled chickpeas, diced onion, and chopped cilantro. Mix well and enjoy.