Firin Makarnasi

🍝Fırın Makarnası Recipe – Traditional Baked Macaroni from North Cyprus

If you’ve ever visited North Cyprus, you’ve probably tasted Fırın Makarnası, a rich and comforting baked pasta dish that has become a staple of Cypriot cuisine. Often compared to lasagna or Greek pastitsio, this traditional recipe layers pasta, minced meat, béchamel sauce, and cheese into a golden, hearty bake that is perfect for family gatherings, Sunday lunch, or festive occasions.

In this guide, you’ll discover the authentic North Cypriot Fırın Makarnası recipe, step-by-step cooking instructions, and tips to make it taste just like the locals prepare it.
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❓What is Fırın Makarnası?

Fırın Makarnası literally means “oven pasta” in Turkish. It is the Cypriot version of baked macaroni, prepared with long pasta tubes (similar to bucatini or penne), minced meat cooked in tomato sauce, and topped with a creamy béchamel.

In North Cyprus, this dish is often served during weddings, religious festivals, and big family dinners. It is usually paired with a fresh salad and sometimes enjoyed cold the next day – when many say it tastes even better!
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🥗Ingredients for Fırın Makarnası (North Cyprus Style)

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare a tray of delicious Fırın Makarnası:

For the pasta base:
• 500g long macaroni (or penne if unavailable)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 egg
• 100g grated halloumi cheese (for an authentic Cypriot touch)

For the meat filling:
• 500g minced beef or lamb (or a mix of both)
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 200ml tomato passata or crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp cinnamon (a Cypriot flavour twist)
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

For the béchamel sauce:
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 tbsp plain flour
• 800ml milk
• 2 egg yolks
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 50g grated halloumi or cheddar cheese
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👨‍🍳Step-by-Step Instructions

🫕Prepare the pasta base
• Boil the macaroni in salted water until al dente.
• Drain, then stir in butter, 1 beaten egg, and half of the grated halloumi. Set aside.

🥘Make the meat filling
• In a large pan, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until golden.
• Add minced meat and cook until browned.
• Stir in tomato paste, tomato sauce, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
• Simmer for 10 minutes until rich and thick.
• Mix in fresh parsley if desired.

🍳 Cook the béchamel sauce
• Melt butter in a saucepan and whisk in the flour to make a roux.
• Slowly add milk while stirring to avoid lumps.
• Cook until thick and creamy, then remove from heat.
• Whisk in egg yolks, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and cheese.

🎛️Assemble the Fırın Makarnası
• Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
• Grease a deep baking tray with butter.
• Layer half of the pasta at the bottom.
• Spread the meat mixture evenly on top.
• Add the remaining pasta over the meat.
• Pour the béchamel sauce over the top, spreading it evenly.
• Sprinkle extra halloumi or grated cheese.

🔳 Bake
• Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes until golden brown.
• Let it rest for 15 minutes before cutting into squares or slices.

🍽️Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with a crisp Cypriot village salad (tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olive oil, lemon).
Pair with Turkish yogurt or tzatziki for a refreshing side.
Enjoy with a glass of Cypriot red wine for a true local experience.
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📝Tips for Perfect Fırın Makarnası

✅ Use halloumi cheese for an authentic North Cyprus flavour.
✅ Allow the dish to rest before slicing so it holds its shape.
✅ Make it ahead of time – it’s even tastier the next day!
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😋Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fırın Makarnası is not just a dish – it’s a piece of Cypriot culture and tradition. With layers of pasta, spiced meat, and creamy béchamel, it brings families together around the table. Whether you’re recreating your holiday memories or exploring Cypriot cuisine for the first time, this recipe will quickly become a family favourite.