Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb. spaghetti
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp. dried basil
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 ripe plantains, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling spaghetti
- Large skillet for cooking ground beef and sauce
- Medium skillet for frying plantains
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until onion is translucent.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until sauce thickens.
4. In a medium skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
5. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, salt, and black pepper.
6. Dredge plantain slices in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
7. Fry plantain slices in the hot oil until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
8. Serve spaghetti topped with the beef and tomato sauce and fried plantains on the side.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
5. Temperature:
Ground beef and tomato sauce should be simmered over medium heat. Plantains should be fried over medium-high heat.
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 620
Total fat: 22g
Saturated fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 720mg
Total carbohydrates: 80g
Dietary fiber: 7g
Sugars: 12g
Protein: 28g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken.
- Crushed tomatoes can be substituted with diced tomatoes or tomato sauce.
- Spaghetti can be substituted with any type of pasta.
Variations:
- Add sliced bell peppers and mushrooms to the beef and tomato sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use ripe plantains to make sweet fried plantains instead of savory ones.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef and tomato sauce for some heat.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to peel the plantains before slicing and frying.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried plantains from the skillet to drain excess oil.
- Add a splash of red wine to the beef and tomato sauce for extra depth of flavor.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the spaghetti and beef sauce in a large serving dish with the fried plantains arranged on top.
Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese.
Pairings:
Pair with a side salad or garlic bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the beef and tomato sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or beef broth to thin it out.
- If the plantains are not crispy enough, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Wash hands and surfaces thoroughly before and after handling raw meat.
Food history:
Bologi is a traditional Italian pasta dish that originated in the region of Emilia-Romagna. Fried plantains are a popular side dish in many Latin American and Caribbean countries.
Flavor profiles:
This dish has a savory and slightly sweet flavor profile, with the beef and tomato sauce providing a rich umami taste and the fried plantains adding a touch of sweetness and crunch.
Serving suggestions:
Serve with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.
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Region: West African
Taste: Sweet, Savory, Tangy, Spicy, Caramelized