Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

• Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your 12 oz pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

• In a large skillet or saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes translucent.
• Add the minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery to the pan. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Meat

• Push the sautéed vegetables to the side of the pan and add the ground meat to the center. Break it up with a spoon, cooking until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

• Once the meat is browned, stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
• Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

• Once the sauce is rich and flavorful, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce. If it seems dry, add more reserved pasta water as needed.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

• Just before serving, stir in the chopped parsley or cilantro for freshness. Serve hot, garnished with crumbled feta cheese, sliced olives, or chopped nuts if desired.