Penne Rigate with Sweet-and-Spicy Picadillo Sauce
1 package (16-ounce) penne rigate, bow-tie pasta, or radiatore pasta, preferably whole wheat
2 tsp. olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 clove garlic, crushed with press
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp. (or more, to taste) ground red pepper (cayenne)
3/4 pound lean (90%) ground beef
Salt
1 can (14 1/2-ounce) whole tomatoes in puree, (if unavailable, use whole tomatoes in juice), preferably reduced -sodium
1/2 C. dark seedless raisins
1/4 C. salad olives, drained, or chopped pimiento-stuffed olives
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Heat large saucepot of salted water to boiling over high heat. Add pasta and cook as label directs. Meanwhile, in nonstick 12-inch skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat until hot. Add onion and cook, stirring frequently, until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, cinnamon, and ground red pepper; cook 30 seconds. Increase heat to medium-high; add ground beef and 1/2 tsp. salt and cook, stirring frequently, until beef begins to brown, about 5 minutes. Spoon off any excess fat as necessary. Stir in tomatoes with their puree, raisins, and olives, breaking up tomatoes with side of spoon, and cook until sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes longer. When pasta has cooked to desired doneness, remove 1 C. pasta cooking water; set aside. Drain pasta and return to saucepot. Add ground-beef mixture and reserved pasta cooking water; toss well to coat pasta. Season with salt to taste. Garnish with parsley to serve. Note: 175 mg sodium count is if you are using reduced-sodium tomatoes.
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