Arabic Pasta with Easy Yogurt Sauce (30 Minutes!)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic flavors: A beautiful blend of allspice, cinnamon, and tahini in the beef and yogurt sauce.
• Quick to make: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
• Rich and creamy: The yogurt sauce adds a smooth, tangy element that complements the spiced beef and pasta.
• Versatile: Can be made with different types of pasta and adjusted for spice levels.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the pasta
▢ 400 g pasta (I used mafalda corta)
▢ Salt
▢ 2 tablespoons olive oil

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

For the sauce
▢ 2.5 cups plain full-fat yogurt (750g)
▢ ½ cup tahini
▢ 1 large garlic clove, crushed
▢ 4 teaspoons dried mint (or more to taste)
▢ ½ teaspoon salt
▢ A squeeze of lemon

For garnish
▢ Toasted pine nuts
▢ Fresh herbs (parsley or mint)

Directions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta and toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
2. Prepare the meat: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
3. Season the meat: Stir in the allspice, cinnamon, salt, black pepper, and tomato sauce. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the flavors are well combined. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Make the yogurt sauce: In a bowl, combine the yogurt, tahini, crushed garlic, dried mint, salt, and a squeeze of lemon. Stir until smooth and well blended. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (more mint or lemon).
5. Assemble the dish: In a large serving dish, layer the cooked pasta, followed by the spiced ground beef. Pour the yogurt sauce over the top and mix gently.
6. Garnish and serve: Top with toasted pine nuts and fresh herbs (like parsley or mint). Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings and timing

Servings: About 4–6 servings
Timing:

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: About 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Replace the ground beef with lentils or chickpeas for a plant-based alternative.
• Different pasta: Swap mafalda corta for other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or spaghetti.
• Extra spice: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the beef mixture for a spicier kick.
• Herb swap: Try fresh thyme or basil instead of mint for a different twist on the yogurt sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce creamy.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat by thawing in the fridge overnight, then warming on the stove.

FAQs

1. Can I use low-fat yogurt instead of full-fat?

While you can, full-fat yogurt will yield a creamier and richer texture, which is ideal for this recipe. Low-fat yogurt may be slightly tangier.

2. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken will work well, but it will have a lighter flavor compared to beef. You might want to adjust the seasoning to compensate.

3. Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes! You can prepare both the pasta and the meat mixture ahead of time, then store them separately in the fridge. Just assemble and add the yogurt sauce when you’re ready to serve.

4. How do I toast pine nuts?

Place pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally for about 3–5 minutes, or until golden brown. Watch closely, as they can burn quickly.

5. Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes! Add more cinnamon or some chili flakes to the beef mixture for extra warmth. You can also use a spicy salsa if you want to add some heat.

6. What can I serve with this?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or pita bread.

Conclusion

Arabic Pasta with Easy Yogurt Sauce brings together the rich flavors of spiced beef, creamy tahini yogurt, and a light pasta for a satisfying meal. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or to impress guests at your next gathering. Enjoy the unique blend of flavors in every bite!

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