Yalancı Mantı (Turkish Pasta)

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add 1 pound dried farfalle pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Meanwhile, make the spiced beef, paprika butter, and yogurt sauce.

Step 2

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound lean ground beef and cook, breaking it up into very smaller pieces, until no longer pink, about 4 minutes. Stir in 1 medium finely diced yellow onion, 2 tablespoons red pepper paste, 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is deeply browned and crispy in spots, 7 to 10 minutes.

Step 3

Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in 1/4 cup water and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Taste and season with kosher salt as needed.

Step 4

Melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon red pepper paste, and 1 pinch kosher salt. Cook, stirring constantly, until bubbling and fragrant, about 1 minute. Remove the saucepan from the heat.

Step 5

Stir 2 cups plain Greek yogurt, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt together in a medium bowl.

Step 6

Divide the pasta into 6 individual bowls. Divide the yogurt mixture over the pasta (about 1/3 cup each). Using a slotted spoon, divide the ground beef mixture over the yogurt (about 1/4 cup each). Drizzle with the paprika butter (about 2 teaspoons each). Garnish with 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley leaves. Sprinkle with dried mint if desired.