Turkish Pasta

Turkish Pasta, often referred to as “Kıymalı Makarna,” is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s deeply rooted in Turkish home cooking. It typically features pasta topped with a savory spiced ground beef sauce, garlic-infused yogurt, and a drizzle of butter spiced with paprika or red pepper flakes. This dish is reminiscent of Turkish manti but much quicker to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare, ready in just 30 minutes
• A delicious fusion of savory, creamy, and spicy flavors
• Offers the essence of Turkish comfort food without the effort of making dumplings
• Great for meal prep or a crowd-pleasing dinner
• Easily customizable with different proteins or vegetarian ingredients

Ingredients

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

• Pasta (such as conchiglie, farfalle, or orecchiette)
• Olive oil
• Ground beef (or lamb or turkey)
• Onion, finely chopped
• Tomato paste
• Paprika
• Onion powder
• Salt and black pepper
• Greek yogurt
• Garlic, minced
• Unsalted butter
• Turkish red pepper flakes (pul biber) or chili flakes
• Fresh parsley (optional)
• Cherry tomatoes (optional, for garnish)

Directions

this recipe

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the meat sauce: In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned. Stir in tomato paste, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few more minutes to combine flavors.
3. Prepare garlic yogurt: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt with minced garlic and a pinch of salt. Mix well and set aside.
4. Make the spiced butter: In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add Turkish red pepper flakes and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Remove from heat.
5. Assemble: Serve the pasta in bowls or on a platter. Spoon the meat sauce over the pasta, followed by dollops of garlic yogurt, and finish with a drizzle of spiced butter. Garnish with chopped parsley and cherry tomatoes if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Replace the ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or sautéed vegetables.
• Different protein: Try ground lamb, chicken, or turkey.
• Spicier version: Add a bit of cayenne pepper or more chili flakes to the butter sauce.
• Herby touch: Add chopped fresh mint or dill to the yogurt for a refreshing flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover pasta, meat sauce, and yogurt sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Gently reheat the pasta and meat sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add yogurt and spiced butter just before serving.

FAQs

What is Turkish Pasta?

Turkish Pasta, or Kıymalı Makarna, is a dish made with pasta, ground meat sauce, yogurt, and spicy butter. It’s inspired by the flavors of Turkish manti dumplings but much simpler to make.

Can I make it without yogurt?

Yes, but the yogurt adds a creamy, tangy balance to the rich meat sauce and spicy butter. If you skip it, consider adding a light cream sauce or sour cream.

Is this dish spicy?

It can be mild or spicy depending on how much red pepper you use in the butter. Turkish pul biber is flavorful but not overly hot.

What type of yogurt should I use?

Thick, plain Greek yogurt works best for its creamy texture and tangy flavor.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or shells will work. Long pasta like spaghetti is less traditional but still fine.

How can I make it vegetarian?

Swap the ground meat for cooked lentils, chopped mushrooms, or even a mix of both for a hearty vegetarian version.

Can I freeze it?

You can freeze the cooked meat sauce separately for up to 2 months. Pasta and yogurt are best served fresh.

What’s the best way to reheat it?

Reheat the pasta and meat sauce together and add the yogurt and spiced butter just before serving to maintain their texture and flavor.

Is this dish suitable for kids?

Yes, it’s very kid-friendly. Just reduce or omit the red pepper flakes if your children are sensitive to spice.

What is pul biber?

Pul biber is a type of Turkish red chili flake that’s milder than traditional crushed red pepper and has a slightly smoky, sweet flavor.

Conclusion

Turkish Pasta is a brilliant blend of bold spices, comforting textures, and traditional flavors. With just a few simple ingredients and half an hour of your time, you can bring the rich, layered flavors of Turkish cuisine to your dinner table. Whether you’re exploring Turkish food for the first time or looking for a new favorite, this dish delivers comfort and satisfaction in every bite.

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