Fresh Herbs

11-24-09

Greek-Style Penne with Lamb, Parsnips, Tomatoes and Cinnamon

Makes 6 Servings

Ingredients: 

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 very large onion, halved through root end, cut lengthwise into 1/3-inch-thick slices (about 4 cups)
  • 12 ounces medium parsnips (about 4), peeled, cut on slight diagonal into 1/4-inch-thick slices
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 8 ounces ground lamb
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 14 1/2-ounce cans diced tomatoes in juice
  • 12 ounces penne
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Crumbled feta cheese

Directions:

  • Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and parsnips and sauté until slightly softened and deep golden brown around edges, about 9 minutes. Add garlic; stir 1 minute. Add lamb and sauté until no longer pink, breaking up with back of spoon, about 2 minutes. Stir in cinnamon. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add tomatoes with juice; bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until parsnips are tender, about 12 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Meanwhile, cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain, reserving 1 cup cooking liquid. Return pasta to pot. Add lamb mixture and enough cooking liquid to moisten; toss. Add parsley. Transfer to plates and sprinkle with feta.
  • NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 459 calories; 13g fat; 7g fiber; 63g carbohydrates