Description
Turkish Pasta, also known as ‘Makarna’, is a comforting and simple dish often made with tomato sauce, garlic, and spices. It’s a quick, flavorful meal commonly served with yogurt or a sprinkle of cheese.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 8 oz pasta (penne or spaghetti)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups tomato purée or crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp tomato paste (optional for richer flavor)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (pul biber)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated cheese or plain yogurt (optional for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in tomato purée and tomato paste. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add red pepper flakes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer another 2–3 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot, with grated cheese or yogurt if desired.
Notes
- Use pul biber (Turkish chili flakes) for authentic flavor and heat.
- You can add ground meat for a more filling version.
- Serve with a dollop of plain yogurt for a traditional Turkish touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg