If you’ve ever wanted to try something a little different with pasta, Afghan Pasta is a must-try! This dish is a beautiful fusion of savory, spiced ground meat, tender pasta, and a rich, aromatic sauce that will leave you wanting more. With its comforting blend of flavors, Afghan Pasta is perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests at your next gathering. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll be hooked. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
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Why You’ll Love Afghan Pasta
Here’s why Afghan Pasta is such a great choice for your next meal:
- Bold and Flavorful: The ground meat is spiced with a wonderful mix of traditional Afghan spices, creating a rich and satisfying taste. The pasta soaks up all those flavors for an unforgettable dish.
- Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for when you want something comforting without a lot of fuss.
- Versatile: You can tweak the recipe by adding extra veggies or using different types of pasta, making it adaptable to your tastes.
- Crowd-Pleasing: This dish is perfect for feeding a hungry crowd, and it’s sure to impress both kids and adults alike.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: It’s the kind of dish you’ll crave on cold days, served hot and hearty with loads of flavor.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for Afghan Pasta:
- Ground Beef or Lamb: The hearty base for the filling sauce. You can use either beef or lamb depending on your preference.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the flavor.
- Garlic: Because every great savory dish starts with garlic.
- Tomatoes: Fresh or canned, they provide the perfect juicy texture and base for the sauce.
- Tomato Paste: For richness and depth in the sauce.
- Turmeric: The warm, earthy flavor that gives the dish its signature color.
- Coriander & Cumin: These spices add a lovely warmth and complexity to the sauce.
- Paprika: For a touch of smokiness.
- Salt & Pepper: To season the sauce and meat.
- Pasta: Any kind of pasta works, but thicker shapes like penne or rigatoni are ideal for holding onto the sauce.
- Fresh Herbs (optional): Parsley or cilantro for garnish.
- Yogurt (optional): A dollop of plain yogurt can help balance out the spices and add creaminess when serving.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Here’s how you make this delicious Afghan Pasta:
- Cook the Pasta: Boil your pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside. Be sure to save a little pasta water to help loosen the sauce later if needed.
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large pan, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant and soft. Add the ground beef or lamb, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through.
- Add the Spices: Stir in the turmeric, coriander, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute to let the spices bloom.
- Simmer the Sauce: Add the tomatoes and tomato paste to the pan. Stir everything together, then let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld.
- Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the meat sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, and serve with a side of yogurt if you like. Enjoy your delicious Afghan Pasta!
How to Serve Afghan Pasta
Afghan Pasta is perfect on its own, but here are some tasty sides and accompaniments you can serve with it:
- Fresh Salad: A simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed in lemon and olive oil provides a light, refreshing contrast to the hearty pasta.
- Flatbread: Serve with some soft naan or other flatbread to scoop up any leftover sauce.
- Yogurt: A cool, creamy side of plain yogurt works wonders to balance the spices in the dish.
- Grilled Vegetables: Roasted or grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant make a great side to round out the meal.
Additional Tips
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you like it spicier, feel free to add chili flakes or fresh chilies to the meat sauce.
- Make it Vegetarian: Swap the meat for chickpeas or lentils for a vegetarian version that’s just as tasty.
- Double the Recipe: This dish is great for leftovers! If you’re cooking for a crowd or want extra for later, double the recipe. It freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much.
FAQ Section
- Q1: Can I use ground chicken instead of beef or lamb?
A1: Yes! Ground chicken will work just fine, though it will have a lighter flavor compared to beef or lamb. - Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve. - Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to keep the pasta tender. - Q4: Can I freeze Afghan Pasta?
A4: Yes! If you want to freeze it, store the sauce and pasta separately in airtight containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove. - Q5: Can I add vegetables to the pasta?
A5: Definitely! Try adding sautéed spinach, peas, or even diced bell peppers for extra flavor and texture. - Q6: How can I make the sauce richer?
A6: For a richer sauce, stir in a spoonful of cream or a bit of butter at the end of cooking. - Q7: Is this dish spicy?
A7: The spice level is moderate, but you can adjust it by adding more or less of the ground spices or adding fresh chilies to the sauce. - Q8: Can I use any pasta shape?
A8: Yes, any pasta shape works, but thicker shapes like penne or fusilli hold the sauce nicely. - Q9: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A9: Reheat it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to help loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between. - Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes! Just make sure you have enough pan space for the meat sauce and pasta, or cook it in batches.
Conclusion
And there you have it! Afghan Pasta is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight meal or serving it at a family gathering, it’s a comforting and satisfying dish that’s packed with bold flavors. Enjoy the deliciousness in every bite!
Print
Afghan Pasta
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Afghan
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Experience the rich flavors of Afghan cuisine with this easy-to-make Afghan Pasta. Layered with a hearty meat sauce and topped with a refreshing yogurt-mint sauce, it’s a delightful twist on traditional Afghan dishes. Perfect for a quick dinner, this recipe combines healthy homemade ingredients for a delicious meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried mint
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1.5 cups water
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
For the Yogurt-Mint Sauce:
- 2 cups plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon dried mint
- Salt to taste
- A splash of water to adjust consistency
For Assembly:
- 1 lb pasta (such as farfalle or fusilli)
- 2 bunches green onions, sautéed and chopped
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion in oil until translucent.
- Add the ground beef and minced garlic, cooking until browned.
- Stir in the ground coriander, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, dried mint, turmeric, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Add the water, tomato paste, and tomato sauce. Stir well, bring to a simmer, and let it cook on low heat until the sauce thickens, about 15-20 minutes.
- Prepare the Yogurt-Mint Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix the plain yogurt with dried mint and salt. Add a splash of water to achieve a pourable consistency.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Place a layer of cooked pasta on a serving platter.
- Spread a portion of the meat sauce over the pasta.
- Drizzle some of the yogurt-mint sauce over the meat sauce.
- Repeat the layers as desired.
- Top with sautéed green onions and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or black beans.
- Adjust the spice levels by modifying the amount of cayenne pepper.
- This dish pairs well with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg