Pasta Primavera with Meatballs
I never order Pasta Primavera at restaurants. Believe it or no each time I see it on menus I think of the Sitcom Seinfield “The Shoes” : At Gail’s restaurant’s kitchen, Elaine sneezes on a plate of Pasta Primavera which is then served to Russell Dalrymple (NBC Director) . After Jerry and George finish writing their script ( they want their sitcom to continue) they want to give it to Russell to review it but just as they present him the script to he becomes violently ill with the stomach flu and can’t read the script.
Actually I think I ordered only once or twice Pasta Primavera at restaurants but this recipe is so simple and fast that it became quickly a staple in my family. This is a complete meal, very colorful great for kids with vegetables, pastas and proteins!
Pasta Primvera
Pastas
1/2 Organic spaghetti
1 bag Organic frozen mélange vegetables ( corn, carrot, French beans, peas…)
3 minced garlic cloves
4 Tbsp. butter
1/4 cup chicken broth (use vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt
Meatballs
1 lb ground turkey
½ lbs organic ground beef
1 egg yolk ( extra fresh organic free range eggs)
1 small onion diced
2 cloves minced garlic
l 3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 can Marinara sauce
2 Tbsp olive oil
fresh Italian oregano herbs
Start with the meat balls: In a saucepan sauté the onion in olive oil. Cook until transparent. Set aside..
When onions are cooler, mix the turkey, beef , onion, salt, and pepper, garlic and egg yolk and knead thoroughly, mixing well. In your hand shape the meat mixture into little round balls, and place gently into saucepan with olive oil. Sauté for 7-10 minutes turning gently every single meatballs with tongs. Pour the Marinara sauce and simmer until serving.
Boil salted water in a large pot . Fill a large bowl with ice water. Boil the vegetables for 2-4 minutes until tender.. Remove all the vegetables and plunge them into the ice water. Drain in a colander set aside and keep the same water to cook the spagetthis. Cook the pastas for about 7 minutes al dente when done drain and set aside.
In a large pot add a little olive oil, garlic, cooked spaghetti, heavy cream, pepper and stir well. Meanwhile reheat the vegetables in a medium saucepan with olive oil.
To assemble:
Use an hot plate: place the pasta on the plate, top with as many meatballs as you want and add fresh oregano and place vegetables around the spaghettis!
Serve when hot!
To drink with : A dry French white.
Yield: Serves 4.
