Hammurabi’s Spaghetti

Directions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup (120 ml) of the pasta water. Set aside.
2. Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Brown the meat: Add ground beef (or lamb) to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4. Add spices: Sprinkle in cumin, cinnamon, smoked paprika, and oregano. Stir well to coat the meat evenly — this step builds that deep, warm flavor Hammurabi himself might have approved of.
5. Build the sauce: Stir in tomato paste and crushed tomatoes, then add sugar, salt, pepper, and water (or broth). Bring to a simmer.
6. Simmer gently: Lower the heat and let the sauce cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together beautifully.
7. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
8. Taste and adjust: Season to taste with more salt, pepper, or spices if desired.
9. Serve: Plate the spaghetti hot, topped with chopped parsley or basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or crumbled feta for a Mediterranean touch.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Easy

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian Version: Replace meat with sautéed mushrooms or lentils for a hearty, meat-free sauce.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili powder to the sauce for extra heat.
• Middle Eastern Twist: Swap oregano for za’atar or add a drizzle of tahini over the finished dish.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti or zucchini noodles for a lighter, low-carb version.

Serving Suggestions