Greek Ziti With Lamb Ragu

May 08, 2023May 8, 20230 12
Greek Ziti With Lamb Ragu, a savory and hearty dish for a comforting dinner
in Pasta

Prep

20 min

Cook

120 min

Ready In

140 min

Level

Difficult

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 lbs ground lamb
1 tablespoon fresh oregano , finely chopped
4 garlic cloves , minced
1 onion , chopped
1 fresh bay leaf
1 cinnamon stick
1 small red chili pepper , finely chopped
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup dry red wine
1 1/2 cups whole milk
nutmeg
1 lb ziti pasta
1/2 lb Greek feta cheese , drained and finely crumbled
finely chopped parsley and of fresh mint

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
6
Calories
766
Sugar
8g
Fat
46g
Greek food is known for its bold flavors, diverse ingredients, and intricate preparations. This baked pasta dish of Greek origin is an epitome of Greek cuisine. Greek Ziti With Lamb Ragu, or 'makaronia me kima' as the Greeks would call it, is a hearty and comforting meal that is perfect for feeding a crowd or for a cozy weekday dinner. The dish consists of juicy ground lamb cooked with various spices and flavors like bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, and chili peppers, mixed with a creamy, cheesy, and crunchy ziti pasta. Completing the dish is a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and mint that brings out the freshness in the dish. This baked pasta is a superb combination of sweet, sour, salty, bitter flavors and rich aromas.

Instructions

1.Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
2.Add ground lamb and sauté until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as you go.
3.Add oregano, garlic, onion, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, and chili pepper. Cook until the onions are soft and translucent.
4.Stir in tomato paste and red wine, and cook until the liquid has reduced by half.
5.Add whole milk and a pinch of nutmeg, and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6.Once the lamb ragu is done, cook the ziti in a pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions, until it is al dente. Drain and keep aside.
7.Toss the cooked ziti pasta with the lamb ragu and transfer it to a large baking dish.
8.Preheat the oven to 375°F and sprinkle feta cheese on top of the ziti and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9.Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and mint leaves before serving.

PROS

Much loved by many, the dish is packed with rich flavors and spices such as bay leaves, oregano and cinnamon.

The nutritious kaleidoscope of ingredients like lamb, milk and feta present a protein punch that can satisfy your hunger.

It’s a perfect comfort food with a cozy combination of meat, cheese and carbs.

The dish can be prepped ahead of time, making it perfect for special occasions or large gatherings.

CONS

The recipe takes some time to make and might require some specialized ingredients like bay leaves and cinnamon sticks.

It is not a light dish and can contain high saturated fat content.

Lamb meat can be quite expensive and not as easily obtainable as other meats in certain areas.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Greek Ziti With Lamb Ragu is a great source of protein as lamb has all the nine essential amino acids making it a complete protein.
The addition of whole milk and cheese adds up to the calcium requirements of the body. Calcium is necessary for developing and maintaining strong bones and teeth.
The herbs and spices used, such as oregano and cinnamon, contain antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds and help in regulating blood sugar levels in the body.

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