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30-Minute Arabic Pasta with Yogurt Sauce Recipe

4.5 from 74 reviews

This 30-Minute Arabic Pasta with Yogurt Sauce recipe combines tender pasta with a flavorful spiced ground beef mixture and a creamy, tangy yogurt sauce. Toasted pine nuts and fresh herbs add crunch and brightness, creating a delicious and hearty meal inspired by Middle Eastern flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 400 g pasta (mafalda corta recommended)
  • Salt, for boiling pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Ground Beef Mixture

  • 700 g extra lean ground beef
  • 2 cups chopped white onions (roughly 2 medium onions)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons allspice (or 7 spice mix)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 5 tablespoons tomato sauce

Yogurt Sauce

  • 2.5 cups plain full fat yogurt (750 g)
  • 1/2 cup tahini
  • 1 large garlic clove (crushed)
  • 4 teaspoons dried mint (more to preference)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • A squeeze of lemon

Toppings

  • Toasted pine nuts (toasted with 1/2 tablespoon olive oil)
  • Fresh herbs (such as parsley or cilantro)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and immediately drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
  2. Sauté Onions: While pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for about 5 minutes until they become soft and translucent, stirring occasionally.
  3. Cook Ground Beef: Add the extra lean ground beef to the onions and break it apart with a spatula. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the beef is browned and most of the moisture has evaporated.
  4. Season Meat Mixture: Stir in the allspice, cinnamon, salt, black pepper, and tomato sauce. Mix thoroughly to combine all the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  5. Prepare Yogurt Sauce: In a bowl, combine the full fat yogurt, tahini, crushed garlic, dried mint, salt, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Mix well using a fork until smooth and creamy. Avoid using a blender to retain texture.
  6. Toast Pine Nuts: In a small pan, heat 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the pine nuts and toast until they are lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from heat.
  7. Assemble and Serve: To serve, layer the cooked pasta on plates, top with the spiced ground beef mixture, then spoon over the yogurt sauce. Sprinkle toasted pine nuts and garnish with fresh herbs. Enjoy your flavorful Arabic-inspired pasta!

Notes

  • You can substitute mafalda corta pasta with any short pasta shape like penne or fusilli.
  • If you prefer a lighter sauce, use low-fat yogurt instead of full fat.
  • Adjust the amount of dried mint in the yogurt sauce to suit your taste.
  • Toasted pine nuts add a lovely crunch; do not skip this step.
  • This dish can be served warm or at room temperature.

Keywords: Arabic pasta, yogurt sauce, ground beef, Middle Eastern pasta, quick pasta recipe, spiced beef pasta, tahini yogurt sauce