Afghan Pasta - Traditional Afghan Connecticut Flavors - Weeknight Meal

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork is often less expensive.

yogurt

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: sour cream

Greek yogurt offers a creamier texture with less fat.

mint

🥗Healthier: parsley

💰Cheaper: dried mint

Parsley provides a fresh flavor, while dried mint is more economical.

tomato sauce

🥗Healthier: fresh tomatoes

💰Cheaper: canned tomatoes

Fresh tomatoes are healthier, while canned are budget-friendly.

Turn on the heat for the pan and add olive oil.

Chop one whole onion and add it to the pan to soften, not brown.

Boil water for the pasta and cook penne according to package directions.

Add 2 pounds of ground beef to the pan with the softened onions.

Season with a teaspoon of salt and add 3 cloves of chopped garlic.

Add spices: cumin, coriander, turmeric, and paprika to the beef mixture.

Add 3 large tomatoes to the pan with the meat.

Add a small amount of tomato sauce, about half a cup, to the mixture.

Add 1/4 cup of vegetable broth to prevent sticking and cover the pan to simmer.

In a separate bowl, prepare the yogurt sauce by mixing 1 cup of yogurt, 1/2 cup of labna, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 2 cloves of garlic.

Heat a small pan and add 1/4 cup of oil with Chinese chives, small chili peppers, and parsley to fry for 30 seconds.

Strain the pasta once cooked and check the meat sauce for consistency.

Add a can of chickpeas to the meat sauce and mix.

Layer the yogurt sauce on the bottom of the platter, followed by the meat sauce, then the pasta, more meat sauce, and top with yogurt sauce and fried greens.

Finish with crispy fried onions on top.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: