Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, chickpeas, zucchinis, tomato paste, cinnamon, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchinis are tender and the flavors have melded together.
6. Stir in the chopped parsley and adjust the seasoning to taste.
7. Serve hot with rice, crusty bread, or pita bread.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium-high heat for browning the beef
- Medium-low heat for simmering the sauce
Serving size:
- 4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 325
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 25g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground lamb, turkey, or chicken.
- Chickpeas can be substituted with white beans or kidney beans.
- Zucchinis can be substituted with yellow squash or eggplant.
Variations:
- Add chopped bell peppers or carrots for extra vegetables.
- Use diced fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Top with crumbled feta cheese or grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to brown the beef well to develop flavor.
- Don't skip the cinnamon as it adds a unique and delicious flavor to the sauce.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste before serving.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated for an easy weeknight dinner.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in a microwave-safe dish or on the stovetop over low heat until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve in a large bowl or individual bowls.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika.
Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Paprika
Pairings:
- Rice
- Crusty bread
- Pita bread
Suggested side dishes:
- Greek salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Hummus and pita bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth to thin it out.
- If the sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to thicken it up.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
- Saltsa Kima is a traditional Greek dish that is typically made with ground beef, tomatoes, and spices.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory
- Spicy
- Tangy
- Sweet
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot with rice, crusty bread, or pita bread.
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Region: Greek