Turkish Pasta (Makarna)
Turkish pasta, or 'makarna,' is a simple and flavorful dish with a sauce of spiced yogurt, butter, and garlic. Perfect for a comforting meal!
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Mixing bowl
- Garlic press
- Small saucepan
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 400 g pasta such as penne or fusilli
- 2 cups plain yogurt full-fat recommended
- 2 cloves garlic minced or pressed
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp paprika smoked or sweet
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes adjust to spice preference
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil optional, for drizzling
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the yogurt and minced garlic. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Set aside.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the paprika and red pepper flakes, stirring until aromatic. Take care not to burn the spices.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the prepared yogurt sauce until evenly coated.
- Divide the pasta onto serving plates. Drizzle the spiced butter mixture over each plate for added flavor.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and an optional drizzle of olive oil. Serve warm.
Notes
For added texture, serve with crispy fried bread crumbs on top or a sprinkle of ground sumac for a tangy flavor.