Pasta Tagine with Liver – Spicy Baked Macaroni with Liver Recipe

This **Pasta Tagine with Liver** is a rich, spicy, and incredibly comforting Egyptian-inspired baked dish. Tender liver is cooked with aromatic spices, layered with pasta and a flavorful tomato sauce, then baked until perfectly cooked and bubbling. It’s a unique and delicious way to enjoy liver that even those who usually avoid it will love!

The combination of perfectly seasoned liver, spicy tomato sauce, and baked pasta creates an addictive flavor and texture. Served straight from the oven in individual tagines or a large baking dish, this recipe is perfect for family dinners and special gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Liver

• ½ kg fresh liver, sliced and soaked in lemon juice
• 2 tbsp minced garlic
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 1-2 green peppers (hot and mild), chopped
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp dried coriander
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt to taste
• Liver spices (optional but recommended)

For the Red Sauce

• 2 tbsp butter + oil mix
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 2 cups tomato juice
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• Salt, black pepper, and chili flakes to taste
• Koshari spices or mixed spices
• 2 cups meat broth or water + chicken bouillon

Other

• Pasta (any short type like elbow or penne) – enough for your tagines

Instructions

1. Prepare the liver: Heat oil in a pan. Add minced garlic and chopped green peppers, sauté for 30 seconds. Add the liver slices and cook on high heat for 3 minutes. Add cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and liver spices. Stir well and turn off the heat. Set aside.
2. Assemble the tagines: In individual tagines or a large baking dish, place a layer of the cooked liver. Add uncooked pasta on top (do not overfill as pasta will expand during baking).
3. Make the sauce: In the same pan, melt butter and oil, add garlic, then tomato juice and tomato paste. Season with salt, pepper, chili, and mixed spices. Add the broth and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Pour the hot sauce over the pasta in the tagines until well covered. Cover with aluminum foil.
5. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 30-35 minutes until the pasta is fully cooked.
6. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Soak the liver in lemon juice for 10-15 minutes to remove any strong smell.
• Do not overcook the liver on the stove — it will continue cooking in the oven.
• Use short pasta like elbow macaroni or penne for best results.
• Adjust the amount of chili according to your spice preference.
• For extra cheesiness, sprinkle mozzarella on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Variations

• Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the liver mixture.
• Make it milder by reducing chili and adding a touch of sugar to the sauce.
• Try it with chicken liver for a lighter version.

Enjoy this bold, spicy, and comforting **Pasta Tagine with Liver** — a unique and flavorful Egyptian-style dish that will become a new favorite at your table!