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Arabic Pasta with Easy Yogurt Sauce

Arabic Pasta with Easy Yogurt Sauce for a Cozy Night In

Enjoy a delightful experience with Arabic Pasta and Easy Yogurt Sauce, a perfect combination of comfort and flavor for a quick weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 400 g Mafalda corta Any preferred pasta can be swapped in.
  • Salt Adjust to your personal taste.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Vegetable oil can be a suitable alternative.
For the Meat Mixture
  • 700 g Ground Beef Consider ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
  • 2 cups Chopped White Onions Substitute with yellow onions if desired.
  • 2 teaspoons Allspice Cinnamon can also add a nice touch.
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon Nutmeg is a great alternative for variation.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 5 tablespoons Tomato Sauce Crushed tomatoes work well as a swap.
For the Yogurt Sauce
  • 2.5 cups Plain Full-Fat Yogurt Greek yogurt offers a thicker option.
  • ½ cup Tahini Can be omitted if you don't have any on hand.
  • 1 clove Garlic Garlic powder can serve as a substitute.
  • 4 teaspoons Dried Mint Use fresh mint for a different freshness.
  • Lemon Juice Adjust the amount according to your taste preference.
For Garnish
  • Toasted Pine Nuts Walnuts or slivered almonds can substitute nicely.
  • Fresh Herbs (parsley or mint) These give your dish a fresh finish.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the mafalda pasta and cook for 8–10 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally. Once cooked, drain the pasta and drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking, setting it aside while you prepare the meat mixture.
  2. In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until they become soft and translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
  3. Introduce 700 grams of ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook the meat for 5–7 minutes until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. Mix in the onions, allowing their flavors to meld.
  4. Stir in 2 teaspoons of allspice, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper along with 5 tablespoons of tomato sauce. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for 3-5 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse the meat.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine 2.5 cups of plain full-fat yogurt, ½ cup of tahini, 1 crushed garlic clove, 4 teaspoons of dried mint, and a splash of lemon juice. Use a fork to mix until fully blended without making it runny.
  6. In a separate small pan, gently toast some pine nuts over medium heat for about 3–4 minutes. Stir frequently to ensure they don’t burn and achieve a golden brown color.
  7. To plate your Arabic Pasta with Easy Yogurt Sauce, layer the cooked mafalda pasta on each dish. Generously top with the savory ground beef mixture, followed by a drizzle of the creamy yogurt sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts and fresh herbs.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 4mg

Notes

Make the meat mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Feel free to adjust the spices to match your heat preferences.

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