Afghan pasta is a delightful and flavorful dish that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. This dish combines the richness of ground beef sauce with the freshness of yogurt mint sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave you wanting more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The ground beef sauce is packed with aromatic spices that create a rich and savory flavor profile.
- The yogurt mint sauce adds a refreshing and creamy element to the dish.
- This dish is perfect for meal prep as it can be easily stored and reheated for quick and delicious meals throughout the week.
Ingredient Notes:
GROUND BEEF/MEAT SAUCE
- Ground beef: Provides protein and richness to the sauce.
- Onion and minced garlic: Add depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Ground coriander, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, dried mint, turmeric, black pepper, cayenne: Aromatic spices that enhance the overall taste.
- Water, tomato paste, canned tomato sauce: Create a flavorful and hearty sauce.
TOPPINGS - Sautéed green onions and fresh cilantro: Add a burst of freshness and color to the dish.
- Yogurt mint sauce: A cooling and tangy sauce that balances out the richness of the beef sauce.
- Dried mint: Adds a final touch of herbaceous flavor.
PASTA - Use your favorite type of pasta for this dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef with onions and garlic until browned.
- Add the spices and water, then stir in the tomato paste and tomato sauce. Simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- Serve the ground beef sauce over the pasta and top with sautéed green onions, fresh cilantro, yogurt mint sauce, and dried mint.
Helpful Tips:
- For a spicier dish, add more cayenne to the ground beef sauce.
- Store the sauce and pasta separately for better storage and reheating results.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- Make extra yogurt mint sauce to use as a dip for veggies or as a topping for other dishes.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve Afghan pasta with a side of naan bread or a simple cucumber salad. Pair with a refreshing mint lemonade for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store the ground beef sauce and pasta separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the sauce on the stove or in the microwave, and cook fresh pasta when ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef for a lighter option.
- Can I make the sauce ahead of time? Yes, the sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Is the yogurt mint sauce necessary? The yogurt mint sauce adds a refreshing element to the dish, but you can omit it if desired.
- Can I freeze leftovers? The ground beef sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Conclusion:
Try this delicious Afghan pasta recipe for a flavorful and satisfying meal that is sure to impress. Don’t forget to share your feedback and enjoy the delicious flavors of this dish!
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AFGHAN PASTA
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Afghan
- Diet: Halal
Description
AFGHAN PASTA is a flavorful dish made with spiced ground beef/meat sauce served over pasta, topped with sautéed green onions, cilantro, yogurt mint sauce, and dried mint garnish.
Ingredients
GROUND BEEF/MEAT SAUCE
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried mint
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne optional for spice
- 1.5 cup water
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 15oz can tomato sauce
TOPPINGS
- 2 bunches sautéed green onions chopped
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro chopped- garnish
- yogurt mint sauce plain yogurt, salt, dried mint, and a splash of water
- dried mint garnish
PASTA
- 1 16oz box
Instructions
- Cook Ground Beef: In a pan, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add Spices: Add coriander, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, mint, turmeric, black pepper, cayenne, water, tomato paste, and tomato sauce. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Prepare Toppings: Sauté green onions and chop cilantro. Mix yogurt with salt, dried mint, and water for yogurt mint sauce.
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- Assemble: Serve meat sauce over pasta, top with green onions, cilantro, yogurt mint sauce, and dried mint.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne.
- Feel free to add other toppings like chopped nuts or raisins for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg