TURKISH LAMB, YOGURT, & MINT PASTA

~ 5 Ingredients Mediterranean: Simple Incredible Food, written by Jamie Oliver

1 T. olive oil

1 lb. ground lamb

4 cloves garlic, separated

1 T. red wine vinegar

salt

pepper
1 bunch mint (1 oz.), baby leaves set aside for garnish and remaining leaves finely chopped

10 oz. uncooked tubular pasta

1 c. plain yogurt

Over medium-low heat, brown lamb in oil. Peel and finely chop three garlic cloves; add to cooked lamb with vinegar, a splash of water, a little salt, and lots of pepper. Cook five minutes, stirring often. Press potato masher over mixture to soften, then add chopped mint. Reduce heat to low and simmer. 

Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions. While pasta cooks and lamb simmers, finely grate remaining garlic clove and mix with yogurt. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Reserve one cup of starchy water, then drain pasta. Add cooked pasta to lamb mixture and cook for one minute. Stir in yogurt mixture, adding starchy water if needed for desired consistency. Garnish with reserved baby mint leaves when serving. 

Notes: We were given some ground lamb when visiting friends' sheep farm, then came across this recipe in a cookbook randomly chosen from the library. Perfect timing!