Pasta with minced meat and peas

Pasta with Ground Meat and Peas - A Cozy Family Recipe

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 5-6 servings of sauce, 1 serving of pasta

On a rainy day or a cool evening, there’s nothing more comforting than a steaming plate of pasta with ground meat and peas. This recipe is not only simple and quick but also packed with flavors and nutrients. Plus, it’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.

A Brief History of the Recipe

Pasta with ground meat and peas is a classic dish in many cultures, evolving over the years into various versions. Its origins lie in comfort food traditions, where the combination of meat and vegetables was used to nourish families in a delicious and hearty way. This recipe has been adapted over time, but its essence remains unchanged: simple yet flavorful ingredients.

Necessary Ingredients

- 500 g ground meat (a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 medium carrot
- 1 large onion
- 1 stalk of celery
- 2 cloves of garlic
- ½ cup of white wine (approximately 125 ml)
- 100 g frozen peas
- 2 cups of water (approximately 500 ml)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 100 g pasta (preferably penne or fusilli)
- Grated Parmesan (for serving)
- Olive oil (for sautéing)

Details About the Ingredients

- Ground meat: Choose a mix of beef and pork for a richer texture and flavor. You can use chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
- Vegetables: Carrot and celery add sweetness and a pleasant aroma to the sauce. Onion and garlic are essential for a base flavor.
- White wine: Choose a dry white wine that complements the flavors of the dish. Avoid very sweet wines, as they can alter the overall taste of the dish.
- Peas: They bring a note of freshness and color. Frozen peas are convenient, but you can also use fresh peas if they are in season.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Vegetables: Start by peeling and finely chopping the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. This combination will provide an excellent aromatic base for your sauce.

2. Heating the Oil: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil. Let the oil heat up, but avoid smoking it.

3. Sautéing the Vegetables: Add the chopped vegetables to the skillet. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become slightly soft. This process will release the flavors from the vegetables.

4. Adding the Meat: Add the ground meat to the skillet. Use a wooden spatula to break up the meat and sauté it evenly. Cook until the meat changes color and loses its juices, about 8-10 minutes.

5. Deglazing with Wine: Pour the white wine over the meat and stir well to deglaze the skillet. Let the wine simmer for 3-4 minutes until the alcohol evaporates and the flavor intensifies.

6. Adding Water: Add the two cups of water to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let it simmer for about an hour. This time will allow the flavors to develop.

7. Adding Peas: About 10 minutes before turning off the heat, add the frozen peas. Stir and let simmer until the peas are cooked, and the sauce thickens.

8. Cooking the Pasta: In another pot, bring water to a boil and add salt. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, but reserve some cooking water.

9. Combining Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the pasta with the meat and pea sauce. Mix well, adding a little pasta water if necessary to achieve the desired consistency.

10. Serving: Plate the pasta in deep dishes and sprinkle grated Parmesan on top. You can also drizzle a little olive oil for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

To add extra flavor, you can include some fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley. A fresh green salad or a tomato salad would be excellent accompaniments to this dish. Also, for a vegetarian version, you can replace the meat with mushrooms or lentils.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, so you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti, fusilli, or farfalle.

- How can I make the sauce spicier?
If you want a spicier sauce, add a pinch of chili flakes while sautéing the vegetables.

- What drinks pair well with this dish?
A dry white wine pairs perfectly, but mineral water or fresh lemonade can also be excellent choices.

Nutritional Benefits

This recipe is rich in protein due to the ground meat and contains vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. Peas add fiber and antioxidants, while pasta provides complex carbohydrates, essential for energy. A serving is balanced, having about 600-700 calories, depending on the amount of Parmesan used.

In conclusion, pasta with ground meat and peas is an excellent choice for a family meal, easy to prepare and full of flavor. This recipe combines tradition with innovation, giving you the opportunity to create something truly special. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 500g minced meat mix, 1 carrot, 1 onion, 1 stalk of green celery, 2 cloves of garlic, 1/2 glass of white wine, 100g frozen peas, 2 glasses of water, salt, pepper, 100g pasta (penne), grated parmesan, olive oil

 Tags:  paste meat pasta