Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of the Mediterranean with our delectable Greek-style penne dish. This flavorful pasta is a symphony of textures and tastes, featuring succulent lamb, roasted parsnips, juicy tomatoes, and a touch of cinnamon that adds a warm, aromatic depth. The tender lamb is braised until fall-apart tender, while the parsnips caramelize in the oven, creating a sweet and savory balance. The juicy tomatoes provide a burst of freshness, while the cinnamon adds a subtle, exotic touch that elevates the dish to a new level of sophistication. Served over al dente penne pasta, this dish is a delightful journey for your taste buds.
In addition to the main recipe, this article also includes variations to cater to different dietary preferences and tastes. For those who prefer a vegetarian option, there's a detailed recipe for a meatless version that uses hearty lentils instead of lamb. And for those craving a bit of spice, a spicy variation amps up the flavor with the addition of chili flakes and cayenne pepper. Each recipe is thoroughly explained with step-by-step instructions, making it easy for home cooks of all skill levels to recreate these delectable dishes.
GREEK-STYLE PENNE WITH LAMB, PARSNIPS, TOMATOES, AND CINNAMON
Provided by Bon Appétit Test Kitchen
Categories Lamb Pasta Tomato Sauté Low Fat Quick & Easy Low Cal High Fiber Dinner Parsnip Healthy Cinnamon Bon Appétit Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Soy Free No Sugar Added
Yield Makes 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and parsnips and sauté until slightly softened and deep golden brown around edges, about 9 minutes. Add garlic; stir 1 minute. Add lamb and sautéuntil no longer pink, breaking up with back of spoon, about 2 minutes. Stir in cinnamon. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add tomatoes with juice; bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until parsnips are tender, about 12 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain, reserving 1 cup cooking liquid. Return pasta to pot. Add lamb mixture and enough cooking liquid to moisten; toss. Add parsley. Transfer to plates and sprinkle with feta.
PASTITSIO (GREEK BAKED PASTA WITH CINNAMON AND TOMATOES)
This comforting Greek baked pasta, which bears a striking resemblance to lasagna, derives its name from the Italian word "pasticcio." That translates to English as "a mess," indicating the forgiving, flexible nature of the dish. Many traditional pastitsio recipes call for beef -- which you can certainly use here -- but we use ground lamb for a fresh take on a classic (and many cooks prefer a combination). Because kefalotyri cheese and the long tubular noodles traditionally used in pastitsio can't be found in most American supermarkets, we substituted Parmesan and ziti in their place, but by all means, if you can get your hands on the real things, use them. The noodles and spiced meat sauce are layered in a casserole dish then topped with a creamy béchamel sauce and baked until golden. It's project cooking that's perfect for a cold winter's night.
Provided by Colu Henry
Categories pastas, main course
Time 1h45m
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Make the sauce: In a large, deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, 1 minute.
- Add the lamb, breaking up the meat with a spatula or wooden spoon, and cook until the moisture has evaporated and the meat is browned, 12 to 15 minutes. Stir in the oregano, thyme and cinnamon, and season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in the crushed and diced tomatoes and their juices and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld, 20 to 25 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper and set aside.
- Heat the oven to 350 degrees and bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Start the béchamel: In a medium saucepan, bring the milk to a simmer over medium. Make the roux: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low. Whisk the flour into the butter until a smooth, golden paste forms, about 2 minutes. Gradually whisk the warmed milk into the roux and cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce is smooth and thick, about 3 to 5 minutes. Whisk in the nutmeg and 1 cup cheese, season with salt and pepper and set aside.
- Once the water boils, cook the pasta according to package instructions until 2 minutes short of al dente (the pasta will finish cooking in the oven). Drain and transfer it to a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Drizzle with 1/2 cup béchamel and carefully stir in 2 cups meat sauce. Spoon the remaining meat sauce on top, then drizzle evenly with the remaining béchamel. Sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup cheese.
- Place dish on a parchment-lined sheet pan and bake until the top is golden and begins to bubble, about 25 to 30 minutes. Allow the pasta to stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 809, UnsaturatedFat 21 grams, Carbohydrate 62 grams, Fat 45 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 39 grams, SaturatedFat 21 grams, Sodium 1044 milligrams, Sugar 12 grams, TransFat 0 grams
GREEK STYLE PENNE PASTA WITH LAMB AND VEGETABLES
Make and share this Greek Style Penne Pasta With Lamb and Vegetables recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Wendys Kitchen
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 45m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and parsnips and sauté until slightly softened and deep golden brown around edges, about 9 minutes. Add garlic; stir 1 minute. Add lamb and sautéuntil no longer pink, breaking up with back of spoon, about 2 minutes. Stir in cinnamon. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add tomatoes with juice; bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until parsnips are tender, about 12 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain, reserving 1 cup cooking liquid. Return pasta to pot. Add lamb mixture and enough cooking liquid to moisten; toss. Add parsley. Transfer to plates and sprinkle with feta.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 441, Fat 15, SaturatedFat 4.7, Cholesterol 27.6, Sodium 331, Carbohydrate 67.1, Fiber 11.7, Sugar 8.7, Protein 12.7
Tips:
- Mise en Place: Always prepare all ingredients before starting cooking. This will help you stay organized and reduce cooking time.
- Sear the Lamb Properly: Sear the lamb in a hot skillet until browned on all sides. This will help lock in the juices and flavor.
- Use Ripe and Juicy Tomatoes: Use ripe and juicy tomatoes for the best flavor in the sauce.
- Add Cinnamon and Oregano: Cinnamon and oregano add a unique and flavorful touch to the dish.
- Don't Overcook the Parsnips: Parsnips can easily become overcooked and mushy. Cook them until they are tender but still slightly firm.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Garnish the dish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.
Conclusion:
This Greek-style penne with lamb, parsnips, tomatoes, and cinnamon is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. The combination of lamb, parsnips, tomatoes, and cinnamon creates a flavorful and unique dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.
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