Persian Macaroni

Persian-style macaroni (spaghetti) is a delicious dish made with ground beef, onion, garlic, and tomato sauce. It's quick to prepare and perfect for lunch or dinner any time of year, a family favorite that everyone will love. I usually make this dish with thin spaghetti noodles, but you can use any type of pasta you prefer..

Persian Macaroni (Spaghetti)

Ingredients
Serves 4

-1 pound lean ground beef
-1 large onion, finely chopped
-3 garlic cloves, minced
-2 tablespoons tomato paste
-1 (14-ounce) can tomato sauce
-1/2 teaspoon turmeric
-1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
-A pinch of cayenne pepper
-Salt and pepper to taste
-Olive oil

-1 lb thin spaghetti


Method

1. In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and saute until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the turmeric. 
2. Add the ground meat, and brown well. Stir in the tomato paste, cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the tomato sauce, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and oregano, along with 1 cup of water. Mix well, cover, and simmer over low heat for about 30 minutes. 
3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. 
4. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a heavy-bottomed nonstick pot. Add a layer of pasta, then spoon over some of the meat sauce. Continue layering pasta and sauce, building into a pyramid shape. Cover and cook for about 40 minutes over low heat to develop tahdig.

Serve with salad shirazi.

Enjoy!