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Arabic Pasta with Easy Yogurt Sauce (30 Minutes!)

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Arabic Pasta with Easy Yogurt Sauce combines spiced ground beef, a creamy yogurt-tahini sauce, and toasted pine nuts, all served over pasta. This 30-minute dish is full of rich flavors and offers a comforting meal with a Middle Eastern twist.

Ingredients

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)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Boil salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the meat: In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Cook onions for 5 minutes until softened, then add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart. Drain excess fat.
  3. Season the meat: Stir in allspice, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and tomato sauce. Cook for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.
  4. Make the yogurt sauce: In a bowl, combine yogurt, tahini, garlic, mint, salt, and lemon. Stir until smooth and adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. Assemble the dish: Layer pasta in a serving dish, top with seasoned beef, then pour yogurt sauce over. Mix gently.
  6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and fresh herbs. Serve warm.

Notes

Vegetarian option: Replace beef with lentils or chickpeas.

Spice it up: Add cayenne or chili flakes to the beef mix for more heat.

Cheese options: Use Parmesan for a different flavor twist, or add more mint for a refreshing touch.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://familydinnercooking.com/arabic-pasta-with-easy-yogurt-sauce-30-minutes/