‘Makaronia me kima” is one of the most popular dishes in Greece, served in every household in Greece on a weekly basis, as it is a very easy to make recipe and a favorite to both adults and children.
Makaronia me kima – The Greek version of spaghetti bolognese
To prepare a traditional Greek style spaghetti in meat sauce recipe (Makaronia me kima), luscious juicy beef mince (or lamb) are cooked in a tomato based sauce, along with red wine and meditteranian herbs and spices.. Simply irresistible!
Greek style spaghetti in meat sauce recipe – Prepare the meat sauce
The traditional Greek “makaronia me kima” recipe calls for either beef mince or a mix of lamb and beef. But if you can’t handle its strong flavour and prefer a lighter version try substituting with good quality beef or veal mince.
To prepare the meat sauce for this greek style spaghetti in meat sauce recipe, the ground beef is sautéed in olive oil, flavoured with onions and garlic and then simmered in red wine and tomato sauce. The aromatic herbs and spices used in the traditional recipe penetrate the meat and give a really characteristic taste and smell which permeates the house.
Tip: Let the sauce simmer for a while to allow the flavours to mingle.
Description
Makaronia me Kima (Greek style spaghetti in meat sauce recipe) – The Greek version of spaghetti bolognese – is one of the most popular dishes in Greece.
Ingredients
For the meat sauce
750g beef or lamb mince (26 ounces)
2 red onions (chopped)
2 cloves of garlic (chopped)
1 carrot, grated (optional)
1 tin chopped tomatoes (400g/ 14 oz.)
1/4 of a cup water
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 teaspoon sugar
1 glass of red wine
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 bay leaf
a pinch of cinnamon or one cinnamon stick
2 whole cloves
1/4 of a cup olive oil
For the spaghetti
1 package spaghetti
salt
boiling water
2 tsps olive oil
200g Parmigiano-Reggiano or kefalograviera (7 ounces)
Instructions
To prepare this Greek style spaghetti with meat sauce recipe (Makaronia me kima), begin by preparing the meat sauce. Heat a large pan to medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Stir in the chopped onions and carrot and sauté, until softened and slightly coloured. Stir in the garlic, tomato paste and the mince breaking it up with a wooden spoon and sauté, until caramelized. Pour in the red wine and deglaze (wait to evaporate). Add the tinned tomatoes, water, sugar, cinnamon stick, cloves, bay leaf and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to the boil, turn the heat down and simmer with the lid on for about 30 minutes, until most of the juices have evaporated.
Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain the pasta in a collander and stir in 2tsp of olive oil.
Tip over the drained pasta in the meat sauce pan and mix it so the sauce is evenly spread.
Serve with grated cheese and a nice refreshing Greek feta salad and enjoy over a glass of wine!
Enjoy.
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