Imbakbaka (Libyan Spiced Pasta in Tomato Sauce)
Local name: امبكبكة
In short: Pasta shells simmered right in a peppery tomato sauce with chicken, garlic and chili until they soak up every drop. Libya's favorite one-pot dinner. It takes about 1 h 20 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 1 h
- Total
- 1 h 20 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 560 kcal
Imbakbaka is Libya's everyday pasta dish. Instead of boiling the pasta separately, cooks simmer it directly in a spicy tomato sauce so that it soaks up the flavor and the starch thickens the sauce as it cooks. Chicken or lamb goes in first, along with plenty of garlic, chili and warm spices such as turmeric and cumin. It is a favorite on cold days and a common dinner for a crowd.
Instructions
- Season the chicken with a pinch of salt. Heat the oil in a wide, deep pot and brown the thighs for 5 minutes per side, then set them aside.
- Cook the onion in the same pot for 6 minutes until soft. Add the garlic, tomato paste, turmeric, cumin, paprika, chili and pepper and stir for 2 minutes.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, water and salt. Return the chicken, cover and simmer for 25 minutes, until the chicken reaches 74°C (165°F).
- Lift out the chicken. Bring the sauce to a steady boil, stir in the pasta and the chickpeas and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring often, until the pasta is tender and the sauce is thick. Add hot water by the splash if it dries out.
- Nestle the chicken back into the pasta, cover and rest off the heat for 5 minutes.
- Scatter with parsley and serve straight from the pot.
Tips
- Use a wide pot so the pasta cooks evenly, and stir often, since the starch can catch on the bottom.
- Lamb chops or cubed lamb shoulder are the traditional alternatives. Simmer lamb in the sauce for 50 minutes before adding the pasta.
Questions and answers
Why cook the pasta in the sauce?
The pasta absorbs the sauce and releases starch, which thickens the sauce into a glossy coating. That is what sets imbakbaka apart from pasta with sauce spooned on top.
How spicy is imbakbaka?
It has a steady, peppery warmth. Use a mild chili powder for family meals and add harissa or fresh chilies for more heat.
Can I make imbakbaka ahead?
It is best fresh, because the pasta keeps absorbing sauce. Leftovers keep for 2 days in the fridge and reheat well with a splash of water.
How long does it take to make Imbakbaka (Libyan Spiced Pasta in Tomato Sauce)?
About 1 h 20 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 1 h of cooking.
How many calories are in Imbakbaka (Libyan Spiced Pasta in Tomato Sauce)?
About 560 kcal per serving, with 32 g of protein, 69 g of carbohydrates and 17 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 560 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 69 g |
| Fat | 17 g |
| Fiber | 7 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 950 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
