Spaghetti with Pesto Meatballs
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Cooking time: 35 minutes for menu
Cooking schedule: see below for "menu" instructions |
I had a bit of pesto left in the fridge, and, it not being warm enough for salads, I decided to put it into the meatballs. I used some lovely, green 'spinach' spaghetti for a very colorful plate.
Spaghetti with Pesto Meatballs Time: 35 minutes
The pesto flavors both the meatballs and the sauce in this simple recipe. They cook together in one pan making life a bit easier.
8 oz ground beef (250 gr mince) or ground turkey
3 tbs bread crumbs
3 tbs pesto
1 tbs red wine or white wine or stock
1 egg
Sauce
1 can crushed tomatoes, 15 oz (450gr)
1 can tomato sauce, 8oz (250ml)
1 onion
2 cloves garlic
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
2 bay leaves
1 tsp paprika
1 tbs olive oil
3 - 4oz (100gr) spaghetti (make a circle with thumb & index finger, about 1" (2.5 cm) - 1 1/4" (3cm) in diameter ..you're own personal pasta measurer that you can never misplace!)
2 - 3 tbs Parmesan for sprinkling
Cook pasta according to package directions.
Lightly beat egg with a fork. Add pesto, bread crumbs, wine and mix well, Add beef, mix well (use your hands). Form into meatballs, about 1 1/2" (5cm) in diameter.
Roughly chop onion and mince garlic. In large nonstick skillet heat oil over medium heat. Add paprika and sauté briefly. Add onions and garlic. Sauté until tender and onion is transparent, 7 - 8 minutes. Add tomatoes, sauce and herbs. Heat to a simmer. Drop the meatballs in carefully, trying to keep them separate. Cover and simmer until meatballs are done, about 15 minutes. Stir once or twice.
When pasta is done, drain and put into a large bowl. Pour meatballs and sauce over the top, remove bay leaf, sprinkle with Parmesan and serve.
Broccoli with Garlic Butter Time: 20 minutes
A bit of garlic and butter can really bring out the flavor of broccoli and raise it from the mundane to the fantastic!
1/2 head broccoli enough for 2 persons
2 tbs butter
3 cloves garlic
2 tbs shredded cheese
Cut broccoli into bite size florets and stems. Put in steamer basket in saucepan with an inch of water in bottom. Put on medium heat and steam for 12 - 15 minutes or just until done, careful not to overcook. Remove from pan and set aside, discarding water. In same pan heat butter. Mince garlic and add to pan. Sauté briefly, then add broccoli. Toss well to coat. Put broccoli into the serving dish, sprinkle with cheese and serve.
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Cooking Schedule: 35 minutes |
When simmering drop in meatballs, cover, simmer |
Cooking for Two? Or more?
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