East African-style Spiced Pasta with Meat Sauce

Ingredients

In this East African adaptation, the traditional Greek Makaronia me kima is transformed by incorporating East African spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and paprika. These spices add a distinct flavor profile and a touch of warmth to the dish, reflecting the vibrant culinary traditions of East Africa. We alse have the original recipe for Makaronia me kima, so you can check it out.

• 300g (10.5 oz) pasta 300g (10.5 oz) pasta
• 500g (1.1 lb) ground meat (beef, lamb, or chicken) 500g (1.1 lb) ground meat (beef, lamb, or chicken)
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tomatoes, diced 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1 teaspoon turmeric 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 6g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large pan, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until golden brown.
3. 3.
   Add the ground meat to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
4. 4.
   Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes soften.
5. 5.
   Add a splash of water if needed to create a thick sauce consistency. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss until well coated with the meat sauce.
7. 7.
   Serve the East African-style Spiced Pasta with Meat Sauce hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pasta — Cook the pasta until al dente to ensure it retains a slight bite and doesn't become mushy.
• Ground meat — Use your choice of ground meat, such as beef, lamb, or chicken, for this recipe. Ensure it is cooked thoroughly and well-browned for maximum flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of chili flakes or a chopped chili pepper to the meat sauce.
• Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or peas to the sauce for added texture and nutrition.
• Serve the dish with a side of East African-style chapati or naan bread to complete the meal.
• If you prefer a spicier flavor, increase the amount of spices according to your taste.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to develop and intensify over time.

Serving advice

Serve the East African-style Spiced Pasta with Meat Sauce hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley. Accompany it with a side of East African-style chapati or naan bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Present the East African-style Spiced Pasta with Meat Sauce in a vibrant and colorful dish. Garnish it with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley to add a pop of green and enhance the visual appeal.