Pasta Recipe

Boil pasta

Bring 4 liters of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 2 tablespoons kosher salt and 1 teaspoon olive oil (optional). Add 12 oz dried pasta and cook according to package directions (typically 8–11 minutes) until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Sauté aromatics

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 cup finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and continue to cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant.

Brown the meat

Add 1 lb ground beef or lamb. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if the pan is very greasy, leaving a little for flavor.

Add vegetables and tomato

Stir in the diced carrot and 1/2 diced green bell pepper and cook 3–4 minutes until beginning to soften. Add 2 tablespoons tomato paste and cook 1–2 minutes, stirring, to deepen the flavor. Pour in a 14 oz can of crushed tomatoes and 1/2 cup stock; stir to combine.

Season and simmer

Add 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander, 1/2 teaspoon berbere or chili powder (if using), 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional). Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to low, and simmer uncovered 10–15 minutes to thicken, stirring occasionally. If sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or more stock.

Finish suqaar

Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro or parsley just before serving.

Combine 4 cups mixed salad greens, 1 diced tomato, 1/2 sliced cucumber, and 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion in a bowl. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon lemon juice or red wine vinegar. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Toss lightly and chill briefly or serve immediately.

Toss the drained pasta with about half of the suugo suqaar in the skillet over low heat, adding up to 1/2 cup reserved pasta water as needed to create a glossy saucy coating. Plate pasta, spoon extra suqaar on top, and sprinkle with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (if using) and 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro or parsley. Serve with the side salad alongside.