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Libyan Imbakbaka

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 5

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 5 cups water
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 jalapeños optional
  • 2 &1/2 cups pasta shells or macaroni
  • 2 large tomatoes (pureed)
  • 1 medium onion diced diced
  • 1/2 cup mix of frozen peas, carrots and chickpeas you can add beans as well
  • 1 medium potato (cut into small cubes)
  • 7 springs fresh basil finely chopped - leave some to garnish
  • 2 minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions
 

  • In a medium size pot on medium heat, add olive oil and onions and sauté until they get translucent.
  • Then add the tomato paste, and cook for another 1 -2 minutes.
  • Then add the tomato puree and bring the mixture to a boil. Then add the frozen peas, carrots , minced garlic and chickpeas. Cook for about 3 minutes then add 2 cups of boiling water. Add the spices and jalapeños and stir and allow the mixture to come to a rolling boil and then cover the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes.
  • After about 5 minutes, add additional 2 cups of boiling water and add the potatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
  • Add another 1 cup of water and bring the mixture to a rolling boil and then add the pasta and stir. Cook the mixture until the pasta is cooked. If you find the mixture is thick , add an additional 1 cup of water. Make sure to taste the sauce and add additional seasoning to your liking.
  • Add the fresh basil the last 2 minutes of cooking.
  • Pasta is best served immediately! I love it really saucy. You can garnish the pasta with some fresh basil and harissa.