Turkish Pasta

Indulge in the delightful experience of Turkish pasta, a comforting dish that embodies the essence of Turkish cuisine. This recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors with a rich tomato sauce, aromatic spices, and fresh herbs. Whether you’re looking to impress at a dinner party or simply enjoy a cozy meal at home, this Turkish pasta will surely satisfy your cravings and warm your heart.

Ingredients

• 300g pasta (spaghetti or linguine)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 400g canned tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Grated cheese for serving (optional)
• Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Servings and Cooking Time

This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 20 minutes.

Nutritional Value

The nutritional value per serving (1/4 of the recipe) is approximately:
– Calories: 350
– Protein: 10g
– Carbohydrates: 50g
– Fat: 12g
– Fiber: 4g

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
5. Add the canned tomatoes and red pepper flakes, then season with salt and pepper.
6. Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
7. Drain the pasta and reserve a little pasta water.
8. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to combine.
9. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
10. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with grated cheese and lemon wedges if desired.

Alternative Ingredients

If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can replace the cheese with a vegan alternative. Additionally, you can include vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.

Serving and Pairings

Turkish pasta pairs beautifully with a side salad, garlic bread, or grilled vegetables. A glass of red wine complements the dish perfectly, enhancing the rich flavors.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove with a splash of water or in the microwave. This dish can be frozen for up to a month; just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container.

Cooking Mistakes

• Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be al dente.
• Ensure your sauce simmers long enough for the flavors to develop.
• Avoid using too much salt; taste as you go.
• Don’t skip the fresh herbs—they add essential flavor.
• Make sure to drain the pasta properly to avoid a watery dish.
• Be careful not to burn the garlic; it can turn bitter quickly.
• Always taste and adjust seasoning at the end.

Helpful Tips

• Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
• Experiment with different herbs like basil or oregano.
• Add protein like chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
• For a spicy kick, increase the red pepper flakes.
• Toast nuts like pine nuts as a crunchy topping.

FAQs

What types of pasta work best for Turkish pasta?

Any long pasta like spaghetti or linguine works best, but you can also use penne or fusilli for a twist.

Can I make Turkish pasta in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely! Just omit the cheese or use a vegetarian alternative, and you have a delicious vegetarian meal.

How can I spice up my Turkish pasta?

Add more red pepper flakes, or include sautéed bell peppers and mushrooms to enhance the flavor and texture.

Can I freeze Turkish pasta?

Yes, it freezes well. Store it in an airtight container for up to a month. Just reheat it thoroughly before serving.

Conclusion

Turkish pasta is a delightful and versatile dish that brings the flavors of Turkey to your table. With its simple yet flavorful ingredients, it’s perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe today and enjoy a taste of tradition that everyone will love!

Turkish Pasta

Indulge in the delightful experience of Turkish pasta, a comforting dish that combines rich tomato sauce, aromatic spices, and fresh herbs.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Turkish

Keyword: turkish pasta, pasta recipes, vegetarian recipes, quick meals

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 350kcal

Ingredients

• 300 g pasta spaghetti or linguine
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 400 g canned tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley chopped
• Grated cheese for serving optional
• Lemon wedges for serving optional

Instructions

• Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
• Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
• Add the canned tomatoes and red pepper flakes, then season with salt and pepper.
• Simmer the sauce for about 10 minutes.
• Drain the pasta and reserve a little pasta water.
• Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to combine.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
• Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with grated cheese and lemon wedges if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 12g | Fiber: 4g