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Viral Turkish Pasta (Cheat Manti)

A quick Turkish pasta made with spiced ground beef, garlicky yogurt sauce, and paprika butter tossed with tender pasta for a bold, comforting meal.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: european
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz short pasta 
  • 1 lbs ground beef. I use 85%
  • 1/2 tsp  curry powder
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp  sweet paprika
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 grated garlic cloves
  • salt
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup chopped cherry tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • small bowl
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. (While the pasta is cooking, start the meat) Cook 16oz of your favorite short pasta according to the package, then drain and set aside. Shapes like fusilli, bowties, or shells work well because they hold the sauce.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil or butter to the pan, then add 1 pound of ground beef and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring to develop a good sear.
    Season the meat with:
    ½ teaspoon curry powder, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon sweet paprika, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and pinch of salt
    Add 1 finely diced onion (a yellow onion works well) and continue cooking over medium-high heat. Break the ground meat into small pieces and allow it to caramelize rather than steam.
  3. In a small bowl, combine:
    This creates the classic garlic yogurt topping with a tangy garlicky yogurt flavor that balances the rich meat and butter.
    1 cup plain Greek yogurt, two grated garlic cloves, pinch of salt
  4. The final layer is a warm paprika butter drizzle.
    In a small saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat until fully melts.
    Stir in:
    Let the spices bloom for about 30 seconds to create a fragrant butter sauce.
    ½ teaspoon sweet paprika¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, pinch of salt
  5. Place the cooked pasta into a large serving dish. Spoon the ground beef mixture over the pasta, then add generous dollops of the garlic yogurt.
    Drizzle the warm paprika butter over the top and finish with chopped cherry tomatoes, fresh parsley, and a little extra black pepper.
    The contrast of warm pasta, cool yogurt, and spiced butter is what makes this Turkish pasta recipe so irresistible.