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–+ servings

Tunisian Makrouna (aka Tunisian Pasta)

Recipe by Rimeh
Tunisian Pasta is one of the most famous dishes in Tunisia. The Tunisian sauce for pasta is different from the others. It is mostly based on canned tomatoes and spices. This pasta is considered one of the basic dishes to learn in the Tunisian cuisine.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine Tunisian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 6 garlic cloves
  • 1 and 1/2 tsp ground coriander Check notes
  • 1 tsp of Turmeric
  • 1/3 cup of olive oil
  • 4 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 can tomato sauce optional
  • 1 teaspoon harissa or paprika if harissa is not available
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1 lb of Chicken Thighs or drumsticks Check notes
  • 4 tbsps of chickpeas optional
  • 4 tbsp of sweet peas optional
  • 3 cups of hot water
  • 1 Pound of pasta of your choice

Instructions
 

  • In a small food processor add the garlic, coriander, salt, and tomato paste, and then grind them together. (This will allow the spices and the garlic to release the flavor in the tomato paste).
  • In a large pot in medium heat, add the olive oil, wait for a minute or two for the oil to heat a little bit but not too much. Then, add the garlic and spices mix. Mix it well then add the chickpeas, peas, chicken, and bay leaves. Mix it well for about 3 minutes so that the chicken gets marinated and the tomato paste looses its sourness.
  • Add the tomato sauce and one cup of hot water. Let the sauce heat for about 4 minutes and then add the rest of the water.
  • Cook for about 40 minutes or till the chicken is cooked and the sauce has thickened a bit.
  • Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then add as much sauce as you desire. Mix it well. Then, add the rest of the sauce and top it with the chicken and some chickpeas and peas.

Notes

If you have Tunisian Bzar (a Tunisian spice) you can use that instead of the ground coriander.
You can replace chicken with any other type of meat desired (ex: shrimp, beef, meatballs, …). If shrimp was used, you need about 1 bag of small shrimp shell and tail removed.
If you don’t have a small food processor, you can mince the garlic and then mix it with the rest of the ingredients.
When mixing the pasta and the sauce, remember to remove the bay leaves.
For a prettier and more delicious pasta you can add some fries and fried peppers on top.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!