04 Apr 2025
Cook time 20 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive oil
2 zucchini
1 red onion
1 lb lamb mince
1 red pepper
2 cans canned tomatoes
1 tbsp spearmint
12 oz pasta
1/2 cup olives
1/3 cup dried oregano
1/2 cup feta cheese
Experience a Mediterranean twist on the classic Italian dish with this Greek-style spaghetti bolognese. Combining rich flavors from lamb mince, fresh vegetables, and exquisite Greek spices, this dish offers a delightful and hearty meal that promises to tantalize your taste buds.
Instructions:
1. Prepare Vegetables:
- Dice the zucchini and red pepper.
- Finely chop the red onion.
2. Cook the Pasta:
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
- While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped red onion and sauté for about 2 minutes until it starts to soften.
- Add the diced zucchini and red pepper to the pan, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
4. Brown the Lamb:
- Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and add the lamb mince.
- Cook the lamb, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add Tomatoes and Herbs:
- Add the two cans of canned tomatoes (with their juice) to the pan with the lamb and vegetables.
- Stir in the finely chopped spearmint and dried oregano.
- Let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. Combine and Serve:
- Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly.
- Stir in the sliced olives.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, if needed.
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
- Divide the pasta among serving plates.
- Sprinkle each serving with crumbled feta cheese.
Tips:
- Make sure to slice the zucchini and red pepper evenly for uniform cooking.
- If fresh spearmint is not available, you can substitute it with dried mint, but use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.
- Brown the lamb mince thoroughly to enhance its flavor before adding the vegetables and tomatoes.
- Consider using a mix of Kalamata and green olives to add different textures and flavors.
- Crumbly feta cheese adds a nice touch to the dish, but you can also try adding a bit of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for variation.
- Cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce.
- For a lighter version, you could use whole wheat pasta or even zucchini noodles.
Your Greek-style spaghetti bolognese is ready to impress! The tender lamb, flavorful vegetables, and distinctive Greek spices come together beautifully in this dish. Whether you're preparing it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite.