Mediterranean Style Pasta Delight

Ingredients

In this Mediterranean adaptation, we replace the traditional American ingredients like Worcestershire sauce and macaroni with Mediterranean staples such as olives, feta cheese, and fresh herbs. The tomato sauce is enhanced with Mediterranean herbs and spices, giving it a distinct flavor profile. The addition of these ingredients transforms the dish into a Mediterranean delight while still maintaining the essence of the original American Chop Suey. We alse have the original recipe for American Chop Suey, so you can check it out.

• 250g (9 oz) penne pasta 250g (9 oz) penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 500g (1 lb) ground beef 500g (1 lb) ground beef
• 1 can (400g/14 oz) diced tomatoes 1 can (400g/14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
• 100g (3.5 oz) feta cheese, crumbled 100g (3.5 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 480 kcal / 2010 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 6g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until fragrant and translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
4. 4.
   Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss until well coated with the sauce.
6. 6.
   Stir in the Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese, allowing them to warm through.
7. 7.
   Serve the Mediterranean Style Pasta Delight garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Penne pasta — Cook the pasta until al dente to ensure it retains a slight bite and doesn't become mushy.
• Kalamata olives — Rinse the olives before using to remove excess brine and adjust the saltiness according to your taste preference.
• Feta cheese — Use a good quality feta cheese for the best flavor. If desired, you can substitute it with goat cheese for a slightly different taste.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or crumbled tofu.
• Add a handful of fresh spinach or arugula to the dish for an extra boost of nutrients and color.
• Customize the spice level by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.
• Serve with a side of crusty bread to mop up the delicious sauce.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to develop and intensify.

Serving advice

Serve the Mediterranean Style Pasta Delight as a main course, accompanied by a fresh green salad and a slice of crusty bread. It pairs well with a glass of red wine or a refreshing lemonade.

Presentation advice

Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese and a sprig of fresh parsley to add a pop of color. Serve it in a shallow pasta bowl to showcase the vibrant colors of the ingredients.