A Middle Eastern twist to the traditional Spaghetti and Meatballs. Kofta, essentially balls of minced meat laced with delicious spices are traditionally served with rice. Here, they're tossed in a spiced tomato sauce and served over a bed of pasta. Easy, simple and delicious!

Ingredients 

(Serves 2-3)

Spices

1 Tbs. mixed Arabic spices (I use a homemade Bahrat mix) 
1/2 Tbs. Turmeric Powder 

1/2 Tbs. Coriander Powder
1/2 Tsp. Paprika
1/4 Tsp. Cinnamon
1 dash Cayenne Pepper
Salt and Pepper to taste

   

Additional Ingredients 
1-1/2 lbs. lean ground beef or lamb

Garlic Paste

Half of a large onion

Half a Roma tomato

Fresh Lemon

1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro + additional for garnish (optional)

At least 24 0z. of your favorite homemade or jarred pasta sauce 

Oil for light frying (optional)

1 package of desired pasta

Method

Place beef in a large bowl and add spices
Add Garlic Paste (about 1 tbs)
Grate onion & tomato on a box grinder, add pulp as well as liquid to the bowl
Add cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice

Incorporate all ingredients into beef well, kneed with hand until a smooth mixture is achieved.

Refrigerate. 1 hour is best, but if you're 

in a pinch for time, allow at least 20 minutes of fridge time. This will

make for easy ball forming. 

While the beef is refrigerating prepare the tomato sauce. To cut on time, I opted to use my favorite jarred sauce, and added a pinch of mixed spices, a dash of cayenne pepper, a small bay leaf and a 1" piece of cinnamon bark. Let sauce simmer on low throughout the entire process. 

After at least 20 minutes has passed, it's time to form the Kofta. Roll beef into small balls, you are free to choose the size. For this recipe they vary from 1/2"- 1". 

Pre-heat oven to 425 F

Add just enough oil to lightly brown all sides of the Kofta to a pan on medium-high heat. Lightly brown all sides and set on a plate lined with paper towels. (This step is optional but I feel it adds a better flavor to Kofta)

Line a baking sheet with tin foil and arrange Kofta. Allow to cook for 15 minutes or until cooked through, broil for an additional minute if desired.

Allow the Kofta to cool slightly and then add them to the tomato sauce stirring to ensure each kofta is coated.

Prepare pasta according to package directions, today I used Angel Hair. Add Kofta and sauce to noodles, garnish with cilantro and enjoy! 

If you try it, please comment bellow and let me know how it was!