Today, I’m going to share with you one of my family and friends absolutely FAVORITE recipes. This is originally my grandmother, Mami Emma’s recipe. She is one of those amazing cooks who can look in her pantry and fridge, use what she has, and create a five star meal. Yes, she’s that good!
I’ve slightly altered this recipe to make it a bit more healthy. Don’t get me wrong–this is by no means a fat free meal. It’s more like one of those dishes that you enjoy a few times a year. BUT I promise, it’s like nothing you’ve ever tasted before.
Kid-friendly, company approved deliciousness.
INGREDIENTS:
1 ham steak, diced
1 link of smoked chorizo sausage, diced (you can also substitute with pepperoni)
1/2 onion, chopped
1-2 garlic cloves, minced
15 oz. can of tomato sauce
16 oz. box of penne pasta
8 oz. low moisture, skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 tbsp. of butter
1 bay leaf
(Nutrition facts: 457 cal., 17.4 g fat, 49g carbs, 26g protein, 1.6g fiber)
INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
In a medium sized pot, boil water and cook penne according to the package directions. You will want your pasta al dente as it will continue to cook a little in the oven later. When it is done, drain your pasta and set it aside.
Over medium heat, cook the diced chorizo or pepperoni in a small skillet (about 3-4 minutes). You can do this step while your pasta is still cooking. Line a few paper towels over a plate and pour the chorizo over it. You want to remove as much of the fat as possible.
In a large saute pan add butter, onions and garlic over medium heat and cook until the onions are a little soft and translucent in color. Then add the can of tomato sauce and the bay leaf. Let these flavors combine for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add diced ham and drained chorizo sausage and cook for about 7 minutes on medium low heat.
While you’re waiting for the ham to cook and for all those flavors to combine, this is a good time to shred your mozzarella.
Yumm…..
Its cheesy goodness and flavor will have you running back for seconds or at the very least enjoying left overs the next day. Its fantastic served with a side salad and some veggies. OR you can do what we do and spoon this into a bowl, plop in front of the television, and catch up on an episode of your favorite show. Sounds like the perfect way to end the week to me!
Hope you all enjoy this recipe as much as my family does!
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