Sunday 19 April 2009

Penne Pasta with Creamy Meat Sauce


I got hold of this recipe and decided to give it a shot. Turned out pretty well. It's more of a dry recipe and does not have much gravy. So, if you are a gravy person, this is not for you.....
**
This dish serves 4.
**
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 medium carrot, shredded
- 1 rib celery, finely chopped
- 8 ounces ground beef (240g)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1/3 cup tomato paste
- 1 2/3 cups milk, divided
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried leaf oregano, crumbled
- 12 oz penne pasta (340g)
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
**
1. In a large non-stick skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring frequently, until softened.
2. Stir in shredded carrot, chopped celery, and 1/4 cup water; cook until vegetables are tender and liquid has evaporated, about 5 minutes longer.
3. Stir in ground beef and cook until browned, about 4 minutes.
4. Add wine and cook until the liquid has evaporated, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in tomato paste, 2/3 cup of milk, salt, pepper and oregano, reduce heat and simmer, stirring frequently, until the milk has been absorbed.
6. Continue cooking until the sauce is thickened, gradually adding the remaining 1 cup of milk.
7. Cook until all has been absorbed, about 20 minutes longer.
8. Meanwhile, cook penne pasta in a large pot of boiling water until just tender; drain well.
9. Transfer sauce to a large serving bowl. Add the penne pasta and Parmesan cheese; toss penne pasta gently.
**
Ta da!!! Not a difficult dish to prepare.....
**
Enjoy.....
**