Israeli Couscous (Ptitim) Bolognese

When our favorite home chef Ruhama Shitrit shared her Ptitim Bolognese recipe, we knew Saturday Sauce was the perfect tomato base for the dish. We put our Sababa Foods spin on this comforting, one-pan dish that comes together with just three ingredients and pantry spices you likely already have to. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's a crowd-pleaser for family dinners—kid-approved, too.

Serves 4-8

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb. ground beef 
• 1 tsp. of each of the following dry spices (ground beef seasoning): 1 tsp. ground black pepper, 1 tsp. Kosher salt, 1 tsp. onion powder, 1 tsp. garlic power, 1 tsp. cumin, 1 tsp. paprika
• 2 cups ptitim (Israeli/pearl couscous) 
• 16 oz. Saturday Sauce
• 2 + 2/3 cups water 

DIRECTIONS

• In a large deep pan over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef. Add all the spices right away and break up the meat with a wooden spatula, mixing well as it cooks. Once browned and cooked through, transfer the beef to a bowl and set aside.
• In the same pan, add the dry ptitim to the leftover beef fat. Toast over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the grains turn golden and fragrant.
• Return the cooked beef to the pan. Add the Saturday Sauce and water. Stir well, cover, and cook over medium to medium-low heat for about 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the ptitim is tender but still slightly firm (al dente). Check occasionally to prevent overcooking.
• Plate & serve!