Meat Sauce

Meat Sauce Recipe from Tajikistan - Yellow Onion, Ground Beef, Garlic, and More!

Region / culture: Tajikistan | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Meat sauce is a versatile and flavorful addition to many dishes, from pasta to rice to sandwiches. This hearty sauce is made with ground beef, tomato sauce, and a blend of spices that create a rich and savory flavor profile.

History

Meat sauce has been a staple in many cuisines around the world for centuries. It is believed to have originated in Italy, where it is commonly used in pasta dishes such as spaghetti bolognese. Over time, variations of meat sauce have been created in different regions, each with its own unique twist on the classic recipe.

Ingredients

1 yellow onion
1 lb (454 g) ground beef
1 tsp black pepper
16 oz (454 g) can tomato sauce
1 tsp crushed garlic
1 tsp coriander
1 tsp salt
1.5 cup water

How to prepare

Grind a yellow onion and half a cup of water in a blender.
Pour this mixture into a frying pan with ground beef and cook until the meat is browned.
Add another cup of water, crushed garlic, salt, freshly ground coriander, black pepper, and tomato sauce to the meat. Cook over medium-low heat for 20-25 minutes.

Variations

For a healthier version of meat sauce, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Add diced vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms to the sauce for added texture and flavor.
Experiment with different spices and herbs to create a unique twist on the classic meat sauce recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To enhance the flavor of the meat sauce, consider adding a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar during the cooking process.

- For a thicker sauce, simmer the mixture for a longer period of time to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Feel free to customize the spices in the meat sauce to suit your taste preferences. You can add herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme for a more aromatic sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the meat sauce over cooked pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a hearty and satisfying meal. You can also use it as a topping for baked potatoes or as a filling for sandwiches.

Cooking Techniques

The key to a flavorful meat sauce is to brown the meat well before adding the other ingredients. This helps to develop a rich and savory flavor profile. Simmering the sauce over low heat for an extended period of time allows the flavors to meld together and creates a more complex sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have coriander on hand, you can substitute it with cumin or paprika for a different flavor profile. You can also use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version of the sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

Meat sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the meat sauce with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the sauce in a decorative bowl or over a bed of pasta for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Meat sauce pairs well with a variety of dishes, including pasta, rice, polenta, and mashed potatoes. It also goes well with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover meat sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the sauce on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 300 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 12g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 15g per serving

Saturated Fat: 6g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Meat sauce is a good source of iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

Alergens

Contains: None

Summary

Meat sauce is a protein-rich dish that is relatively low in carbohydrates and calories. It is a good source of essential nutrients like iron and zinc.

Summary

Meat sauce is a versatile and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether served over pasta, rice, or sandwiches, this hearty sauce is sure to satisfy your cravings for a comforting and delicious meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I discovered this recipe is a cherished memory that I hold dear to my heart. It all started many years ago when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my grandmother, who was a master in the kitchen. She had a magical way of creating delicious dishes that would fill our home with warmth and love.

One day, while I was helping her prepare dinner, she pulled out a worn recipe card from her recipe box and handed it to me. It was for her famous Meat Sauce, a recipe that she had perfected over the years. As she explained each step to me, I could see the passion and love she poured into every ingredient.

She told me that this recipe was passed down to her from her own grandmother, who learned it from a dear friend many years ago. It was a recipe that had been cherished in our family for generations, and now it was my turn to learn and carry on the tradition.

I watched as she carefully browned the ground beef, adding in diced onions and garlic to create a fragrant base for the sauce. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

Next, she added in a blend of herbs and spices, including oregano, basil, and a hint of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. The sauce simmered on the stove for hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a rich and savory sauce that would be the perfect accompaniment to a plate of pasta.

As we sat down to dinner that evening, I took my first bite of the Meat Sauce and was instantly transported back to my grandmother's kitchen. The depth of flavor and the love that went into each bite brought tears to my eyes. I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen for years to come.

Over the years, I have made this Meat Sauce countless times, each time adding my own twist to the recipe. Sometimes I'll add a splash of red wine for extra richness, or a handful of fresh herbs from my garden for a burst of freshness. But no matter how I choose to make it, the essence of the recipe remains the same – a labor of love that brings my family together around the dinner table.

I have shared this recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition that was started so many years ago. Each time I make it, I am reminded of my grandmother and the memories we created in her kitchen. The taste of her Meat Sauce will forever hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the love and connection that food can bring to those we hold dear.

So as I sit here now, with a pot of simmering Meat Sauce on the stove, I can't help but smile as I think back on that moment when my grandmother first shared this recipe with me. It is a memory that I will always cherish, and one that I will continue to pass down to future generations. For in this recipe lies not just a delicious sauce, but a story of love, tradition, and the power of food to bring us together.