Classic Turkish Pasta (Makarna)
Traditional dish · Turkish
A simple yet flavorful Turkish pasta dish, often served as a side or a light main, featuring pasta tossed with a rich tomato and pepper paste sauce, garlic, and a hint of spice. This is the quintessential Turkish pasta experience.
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Ingredients
- Short-cut pasta (e.g., Penne, Fusilli, or Elbow Macaroni)400g
- Olive oil3 tablespoons
- Tomato paste2 tablespoons
- Red pepper paste (Biber salçası)1 tablespoon
- Garlic, minced3 cloves
- Water1/2 cup
- Dried mint1 teaspoon
- Red pepper flakes (Pul biber)1/2 teaspoon
- Saltto taste
- Black pepperto taste
Steps
- 1
Cook the pasta according to package directions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- 2
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- 3
Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the tomato paste and red pepper paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the pastes darken slightly.
- 5
Pour in the reserved pasta water and bring to a simmer. Stir well to combine.
- 6
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat.
- 7
Stir in dried mint, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the pasta.
- 8
Serve immediately.
