Ingredients:
For the Pasta:
• 500g small pasta (e.g., shells, orecchiette, or small elbow macaroni)
For the Filling:
• 250g ground beef or lamb
• 1 small onion, finely grated (about 60g)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp paprika (optional)
For the Yogurt Sauce:
• 250ml plain yogurt
• 2 garlic cloves, minced or grated
• Pinch of salt
For the Butter Sauce:
• 30g butter
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For Garnish:
• 1 tsp dried mint or 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Method:
1. Cook the Pasta:
• Boil the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Filling:
• Heat a frying pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef or lamb, grated onion, salt, pepper, and paprika.
• Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Make the Yogurt Sauce:
• In a bowl, mix the yogurt and minced garlic. Add a pinch of salt and stir well. Set aside.
4. Prepare the Butter Sauce:
• Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the paprika and red pepper flakes. Heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, then remove from heat.
5. Assemble the Dish:
• Combine the cooked pasta with the ground meat mixture and mix gently. Transfer to a serving dish.
• Drizzle the yogurt sauce over the pasta and meat.
• Spoon the spiced butter sauce over the yogurt.
• Garnish with dried mint or fresh parsley.