Middle Eastern Pasta With Yogurt and Pine Nuts Recipe

Middle Eastern Pasta With Yogurt and Pine Nuts Recipe

  • 1 (16 ounce) package spaghetti or penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons corn oil
  • 8 ounces ground beef or ground lean lamb
  • 2/3 cup pine nuts or slivered almonds
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 (16 ounce) container plain yogurt
  1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
  2. Meanwhile, heat the corn oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in the beef and cook until well browned, stirring frequently to break apart, about 7 minutes. Add the pine nuts, and cook for another minute until dark brown. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then remove from the heat, and drain off excess fat.
  3. In a large bowl, crush the garlic into a smooth paste. Whisk the yogurt with the garlic until creamy and smooth. Once the pasta has been cooked and drained, place into a serving dish, and pour the yogurt over it. Top with the cooked meat and nuts while it is still hot.