Turkish Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta:
1 lb store-bought or homemade pasta
Beef Sauce:
1 lb ground beef (85/15)
1 small onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2–3 tbsp high-quality tomato paste
1 cup beef broth (or water)
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp salt (or to taste)
Yogurt Sauce:
2 cups whole plain yogurt
1 clove garlic, grated
Pinch of salt
Paprika Butter:
4–6 tbsp butter
1 tsp paprika
For Serving:
Parsley
Red pepper flakes
Tomato salad on the side
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
Prepare the pasta according to package or recipe directions. Set aside.
Make the Beef Sauce:
Heat a medium pan over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
Add the diced onion and cook for another 2–3 minutes.
Stir in the garlic and tomato paste and cook for 3–5 minutes until everything caramelizes and the moisture reduces.
Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes until it thickens to a paste-like consistency.
Add cumin, paprika, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and salt. Cook for 1 minute, then remove from heat and keep covered.
Prepare the Yogurt Sauce:
In a bowl, combine yogurt, grated garlic, and salt. Mix well.
Prepare the Paprika Butter:
Melt the butter in a small pan, stir in the paprika, then remove from heat.
Assemble:
Place the cooked pasta on a plate.
Top with the garlic yogurt, then spoon the beef mixture over it.
Drizzle with paprika butter and finish with chopped parsley and extra red pepper flakes.
Serve with a fresh tomato salad on the side.
Dining and Cooking