Dive into the vibrant flavors of Lebanese cuisine with our irresistible Macarona bil Laban, a delightful pasta dish that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of the Mediterranean! This creamy, garlicky pasta, topped with fresh mint and optional ground beef, is not only quick to prepare but also promises to impress your family and friends at the dinner table. With just 35 minutes from prep to plate, you’ll be savoring a dish that combines comfort and exotic flair in every bite. Ready to elevate your weeknight meals? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Lebanese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 cups plain yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup mint, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Olive oil
- 1/2 lb ground beef (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of pasta, 2 cups of plain yogurt, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1/4 cup of chopped mint, salt, pepper, olive oil, and 1/2 lb of ground beef if you choose to include it.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the yogurt garlic sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the plain yogurt, minced garlic, chopped mint, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Set aside.
- If you are using ground beef, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it apart with a spatula. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once cooked, remove from heat and set aside.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and return it to the pot. If you prefer, you can drizzle a little olive oil over the pasta to prevent it from sticking.
- Pour the yogurt garlic sauce over the hot pasta and mix gently until the pasta is well coated. If using ground beef, add it to the pasta and sauce mixture, stirring to combine.
- Serve the Lebanese pasta warm, garnished with additional chopped mint if desired. Enjoy your delicious Macarona bil Laban!
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: To ensure your pasta is perfectly al dente, follow the cooking instructions on the package, and don't forget to stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking together.
- Yogurt Sauce Consistency: For a creamier sauce, consider using full-fat yogurt. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for an extra zing that complements the garlic beautifully.
- Fresh Mint: Fresh mint elevates the dish, so don’t skip it! If you can’t find fresh mint, dried mint can be used, but reduce the amount as it's more concentrated.
- Meat Variation: If you prefer a vegetarian option, simply omit the ground beef. You can also substitute it with sautéed mushrooms or lentils for added texture and protein.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your Macarona bil Laban with a side of warm pita bread and a simple salad for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
- Garnishing: For an extra touch, drizzle a little olive oil over the finished dish and sprinkle with additional chopped mint before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 55mg
