Tomato is one of the few ingredients that is almost as good canned as fresh in some recipes. Use canned tomato but fresh ground beef - doesn't have to be too lean, a little fat is good for flavour. Don't skimp on the other fresh ingredients - thyme, basil, pimentos (or seasoning peppers), and the tiniest piece of crushed ginger. Freshly grated parmesan cheese is also very different from the pre-grated brands. This is meant to be a quick and convenient comfort meal, so use whatever is at hand. Fresh ingredients (except tomatoes) do lift the meal a few notches. Serve with crisp French or Italian garlic bread and a green salad.
Beef, 2 lb ground
Whole peeled tomatoes, one large can (or 6-8 fresh medium)
Tomato paste, 3 tablespoons
French thyme, one sprig
(Dried oregano, one teaspoon)
Ginger, small piece crushed and chopped
Garlic, 3 cloves chopped
Black pepper, coarse ground
Onion, medium, chopped
Pimentos, 3, chopped
Olive oil, one third cup
Salt, half teaspoon or to taste
(Hot pepper, optional)
Heat oil in a deep pot (medium). Add garlic, onion, ginger, pimentos. Saute until fragrant and the onions are soft. Chop tomatoes and drain (reserve liquid). Add to the pot. Allow to simmer for 10-15 minutes to reduce some of the liquid (especially if the tomatoes are fresh). Raise the heat to high, and add the ground beef, stirring well. Add salt and black pepper. Continue to cook for 10-15 minutes stirring well. When the beef is cooked, reduce heat to low. Add tomato paste, thyme, oregano, and hot pepper if you wish. Simmer uncovered if there is too much liquid, sauce should be meaty not runny.
Boil spaghetti according to directions, and drain.
Beef, 2 lb ground
Whole peeled tomatoes, one large can (or 6-8 fresh medium)
Tomato paste, 3 tablespoons
French thyme, one sprig
(Dried oregano, one teaspoon)
Ginger, small piece crushed and chopped
Garlic, 3 cloves chopped
Black pepper, coarse ground
Onion, medium, chopped
Pimentos, 3, chopped
Olive oil, one third cup
Salt, half teaspoon or to taste
(Hot pepper, optional)
Heat oil in a deep pot (medium). Add garlic, onion, ginger, pimentos. Saute until fragrant and the onions are soft. Chop tomatoes and drain (reserve liquid). Add to the pot. Allow to simmer for 10-15 minutes to reduce some of the liquid (especially if the tomatoes are fresh). Raise the heat to high, and add the ground beef, stirring well. Add salt and black pepper. Continue to cook for 10-15 minutes stirring well. When the beef is cooked, reduce heat to low. Add tomato paste, thyme, oregano, and hot pepper if you wish. Simmer uncovered if there is too much liquid, sauce should be meaty not runny.
Boil spaghetti according to directions, and drain.
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