Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup water
Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking up any large chunks with a wooden spoon.
4. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, salt, black pepper, and water to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
6. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top of the sauce and let it melt slightly.
7. Serve hot with crusty bread or over cooked pasta.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium-high heat for cooking the beef and onions
- Low heat for simmering the sauce
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 385
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 25g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground lamb or turkey can be used instead of ground beef.
- Fresh tomatoes can be used instead of canned tomatoes.
- Goat cheese or queso fresco can be used instead of feta cheese.
Variations:
- Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use the sauce as a topping for baked potatoes or sweet potatoes.
- Make a vegetarian version of the sauce by using crumbled tofu or tempeh instead of ground beef.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a wooden spoon to break up the ground beef into small pieces while cooking.
- Stir the sauce occasionally while simmering to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste by adding more salt, pepper, or spices as needed.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the sauce in a microwave-safe dish or on the stovetop until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the sauce in individual bowls or on a large platter for sharing.
- Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil for extra color and flavor.
Garnishes:
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh herbs such as parsley or basil
Pairings:
- Crusty bread
- Cooked pasta
- Rice
Suggested side dishes:
- Greek salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add more water or tomato sauce to thin it out.
- If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to thicken it up.
Food safety advice:
- Cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Store leftover sauce in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
- Saltsa Kima is a traditional Greek dish made with ground beef and tomato sauce. It is often served over pasta or with crusty bread.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory
- Spicy
- Tangy
- Salty
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot with crusty bread or over cooked pasta.
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Region: Greek