Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Turkish Inspired Pasta

This Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Turkish Inspired Pasta is a bold and hearty dish that brings together rich lamb, cooling garlic yogurt, and fresh mint for an unexpected twist on a weeknight pasta. It’s one of those clever recipes that takes just minutes to throw together but delivers big on flavor. I made it on a whim and was genuinely surprised by how comforting and unique it turned out. (inspired by Jamie Oliver)

Ingredients Needed

• 400g minced lamb
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 bunch mint (30g)
• 300g dried tubular pasta (such as gomiti or macaroni)
• 250g natural yoghurt

How To Make Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Turkish Inspired Pasta

1. Brown the Lamb: Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium-low heat. Add the minced lamb and cook for about 3 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it browns.
2. Add Garlic and Flavor: Peel and finely chop 3 cloves of garlic, then stir them into the pan along with 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar, a splash of water, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Cook everything together for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Use a potato masher to gently mash the lamb—it helps create a soft, tender texture that coats the pasta beautifully.
3. Add the Mint: Finely chop most of the mint leaves, saving a few for garnish. Stir the chopped mint into the lamb mixture and turn the heat down low while you get the pasta going.
4. Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your tubular pasta according to the packet instructions. Reserve a mugful of the cooking water before draining.
5. Make the Garlic Yogurt Sauce: Peel and finely grate the last garlic clove and mix it with the yoghurt. Season with salt and pepper to taste—this garlicky yoghurt will add a creamy, tangy balance to the rich lamb.
6. Combine and Finish: Add the drained pasta to the pan with the lamb and cook for one more minute to let everything blend. Stir in the garlic yoghurt sauce, loosening with a splash of the reserved pasta water until everything is glossy and creamy.
7. Serve: Top with the reserved mint leaves and serve immediately while it’s warm and silky.

Why I Love This Recipe

This pasta surprised me in the best way. The lamb is deeply savory, the yogurt is tangy and cooling, and the mint adds a fresh twist that ties everything together. It’s hearty but light, familiar yet different, and absolutely packed with flavor. I served it to friends and got a “wow” after the first bite—can’t ask for more than that!

Recipe Tips

• Use fresh mint: It’s crucial for that fresh lift—dried mint won’t give the same effect.
• Mash the lamb: A potato masher helps break it down to a softer texture that blends better with the sauce.
• Don’t skip garlic yogurt: The sauce brings everything together and balances the richness of the lamb.
• Save that pasta water: It helps emulsify and loosen the yogurt sauce.
• Serve hot: The yogurt can separate if reheated too aggressively, so enjoy it fresh when possible.

How To Store This Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Turkish Inspired Pasta

• At Room Temperature: Eat it right away. If it sits out for more than 2 hours, store it promptly.
• In the Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• In the Freezer: Not recommended—the yogurt sauce doesn’t freeze or reheat well.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a non-stick pan over medium heat with a splash of water or extra yogurt. Stir often and avoid high heat to prevent splitting.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Can I use beef instead of lamb?
  Sure! Beef works, but lamb gives a richer, more traditional Turkish flavor.
• Is the yogurt sauce hot or cold?
  It’s mixed into the hot pasta, so it becomes warm but not cooked. That’s part of the charm!
• Can I use Greek yogurt?
  Absolutely—just make sure it’s plain and unsweetened.
• What pasta shape is best?
  Tubular pasta like gomiti or macaroni holds the sauce well, but penne or rigatoni would also work.
• Can I make it spicy?
  Yes! Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of harissa for extra heat.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 542 kcal
• Fat: 20.5g
• Saturated Fat: 8.5g
• Protein: 31.3g
• Carbohydrates: 62g
• Sugars: 5.7g
• Salt: 0.9g
• Fibre: 0.3g

Try More Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Recipes:

• Crab Linguine
• Sweet Pea Orecchiette
• Roasted Squash Lasagne
• Chestnut Carbonara