Minty Yogurt Beef Pasta

Mom and I impatiently wait for the day dad has his "guys day out" so we can make this meal. We indulge in this so much that we absolutely don't care how many pieces of gum we need after eating it. But then again, I can't do that to you so I toned down the amount of garlic in the recipe.  I know, YOGURT with pasta?? That's so weird. That's what I though too at first but just think of it as a cold and creamy Bechamel sauce. What I mostly like about it is the hot and cold aspect. Cold yogurt and hot spaghetti and beef; just like a warm chocolate chip cookie with a super cold vanilla ice cream. Do I have your interest yet?

 It's a quick, easy, and UNBELIEVABLY delicious recipe that you will definitely want seconds of. Give it a try already, come on!

🍋 Tools:

  • Large Pot (to cook the pasta)
  • Colander (to drain the pasta)
  • Whisk or Fork (to stir the yogurt)
  • Spatula (to stir the beef mix)
  • Zester (to grate garlic)
  • Pan (to cook the minced beef)
  • Knife and Cutting board 

🍋Ingredients: 

  • Spaghetti: 1/2 pack (uncooked)
  • Yogurt (Regular not Greek): 4 cups
  • Garlic cloves:3 pieces
  • Dry Mint: 2 tablespoons
  • Medium Onion: 1 piece
  • Minced Beef: 300 grams
  • Seven Spices: 2 tsp
  • Garlic Powder: 1 tsp
  • Chopped Cilantro: 1/4 cup
    • Olive Oil or Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • Pine nuts (optional): a handful

🍋METHOD:

Boil some water with a bit of salt to cook the pasta. Meanwhile, use a micro-plane (zester) to grate the garlic in a bowl then add the yogurt to it. Add the dry mint and mix well. If it's too thick (depends on the yogurt you are using), add a bit of water to reach the desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste and refrigerate. 

Peel and chop the onion to a small dice. Heat a pan on medium heat then add a couple of tablespoons of oil or butter to your liking. Now add your onions with a pinch of salt and stir till they wilt. Do not caramelize the onions. Once they become translucent, add your beef and keep breaking it down so the pieces will be equal in size. Add your seven spices and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste then set aside once done. If you wish to add pine nuts, once you set your meat aside, use the same pan (fat free) to quickly give the nuts a brown before adding them to the beef. Keep an eye on them because they toast quickly.

Cook your pasta in the boiling water. This will take about 6-8 minutes. While they cook, chop the cilantro. 

Once your pasta is ready, drain the water and put the desired quantity of pasta in your plate. Ladle some yogurt on top (yes, hot and cold together; that's what makes this so good). Add some of the beef you prepared and garnish with cilantro. Enjoy!

 

Farah Hamade