Easy Turkish Pasta Recipe: A Flavorful, Quick Dish
If you're looking for a hearty, flavorful dish that's both easy and quick to make, Turkish Pasta, or "Manti," is the perfect option. This traditional Turkish dish, typically made with small dumplings and served with a delicious yogurt sauce, offers a balance of savory and tangy flavors that will satisfy your taste buds. In this recipe, we're putting a modern twist on the classic by creating a simple yet delicious pasta version that is ready in less than 30 minutes.
Turkish pasta is made with fresh ingredients like garlic, yogurt, and tomato paste, combined with a savory blend of spices. The result is a rich, comforting meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re craving a dish with a little more complexity than your usual pasta. What’s great about this recipe is that it’s customizable – you can adjust the spices to your liking, and it can be made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Whether you’re new to Turkish cuisine or just looking for a fresh take on pasta, this Turkish Pasta recipe will soon become a go-to meal. It’s a perfect combination of savory flavors, and the creamy yogurt sauce adds an irresistible touch. Let's dive into the recipe and get cooking!
Equipment
- Large Pot – To cook the pasta. A large pot ensures that the pasta has plenty of space to cook evenly.
- Large Pan or Skillet – Used for sautéing the onions, garlic, and spices, and for mixing the pasta with the tomato paste sauce.
- Knife and Cutting Board – Essential for chopping the onion, garlic, and any other vegetables or garnishes.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups – To accurately measure the ingredients for the sauce and yogurt mixture.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula – Useful for stirring the ingredients and ensuring the sauce and pasta mix evenly.
- Small Mixing Bowl – For preparing the yogurt sauce by mixing Greek yogurt with lemon juice and seasoning.
- Strainer – To drain the cooked pasta before adding it to the sauce.
- Serving Plates – For plating the pasta and garnishing with parsley and yogurt sauce.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta any shape you prefer
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for garnish
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the Tomato Paste and Spices: Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, and ground cumin. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, to allow the flavors to develop. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the tomato paste mixture. Toss the pasta in the sauce to coat evenly, and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Prepare the Yogurt Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt with lemon juice. Add a pinch of salt and stir until smooth.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and top it with a generous spoonful of the yogurt sauce. Drizzle olive oil over the top and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Enjoy: Serve your Turkish Pasta warm and enjoy this flavorful dish!
Notes
To make this Turkish Pasta even more delicious, consider adding a sprinkle of feta cheese on top for extra creaminess and flavor. For a deeper taste, sauté the garlic and onion with a bit of olive oil before adding the tomato paste and spices. You can also enhance the sauce by mixing in a dash of ground cinnamon or allspice for a unique Turkish flavor. Finally, top the dish with freshly chopped parsley and a drizzle of olive oil for a burst of freshness!