Pasta and minced meat pudding

Delicious Pasta Pudding with Minced Meat

Welcome to the wonderful world of cooking! Today, I will share a recipe that harmoniously combines the flavor of pasta with a rich composition of meat and vegetables. This pasta pudding with minced meat is perfect for a family meal or to impress friends at a party. It is a simple, quick, yet extremely satisfying recipe that will surely become your favorite.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Necessary ingredients:
- 500 g fusilli pasta
- 600 g minced pork (you can also use beef or chicken, according to your preferences)
- 4 bell peppers
- 4 small tomatoes
- 7 eggs (3 for decoration and 4 for the mixture)
- 250 g full-fat yogurt
- 100 ml milk
- salt and ground pepper, to taste
- butter for greasing the baking dish
- oil for sautéing

Nutritional information:
This pudding offers a balanced combination of proteins, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. Pasta is an excellent source of energy, and pork, besides being delicious, provides an important amount of iron and B vitamins. Full-fat yogurt adds a creamy note and contributes to good digestion.

Let's start cooking!

1. Boiling the pasta: Put a large pot of water to boil. Add a teaspoon of salt, and once the water is boiling, add the fusilli pasta. Boil according to the package instructions, usually between 8-12 minutes, until al dente. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Let them drain well in a colander.

2. Preparing the filling: In a deep skillet, heat a few tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the diced bell pepper and sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly soft and fragrant. Then, add the minced meat. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the meat changes color completely and is well cooked.

3. Preparing the tomato sauce: Grate the tomatoes to remove the skins, then pass them through a sieve to obtain a fine puree. Add the tomato juice obtained over the meat and peppers. Let it simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes, or until the sauce reduces and becomes thicker. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

4. Incorporating the pasta: In a large bowl, add the cooked pasta, mix with the meat and pepper sauce, then add the yogurt and mix well. Beat 4 eggs in another bowl and incorporate them into the mixture. Also, add the milk, mixing again. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Preparing the baking dish: Grease a baking dish with butter, making sure it is well covered to prevent sticking. Pour the pasta and meat mixture into the dish, leveling it with a spatula.

6. Decorating the pudding: In a small bowl, beat the remaining 3 eggs with a pinch of salt and pour them evenly over the mixture in the dish. This will create a delicious crust during baking.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the pudding for 45-50 minutes, or until golden and firm to the touch.

8. Serving: Once the pudding is ready, let it cool slightly before cutting it into slices. It can be enjoyed warm or cold, alongside a fresh salad or a cup of yogurt for an extra touch of freshness.

Tips and variations:
- If you want to make the pudding even richer, you can add vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the meat mixture.
- For a more intense flavor, try adding spices like smoked paprika, oregano, or basil.
- This recipe can also be adapted for vegans by replacing the meat with a mix of vegetables or tofu and using a plant-based yogurt.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of pasta? Absolutely! Penne or macaroni pasta are just as delicious in this recipe.
- Can I prepare the pudding in advance? Yes, it can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just bake before serving.
- What can it be paired with? This dish pairs wonderfully with a dry white wine or freshly squeezed tomato juice. A green salad with a light vinaigrette will perfectly complement the meal.

I hope this recipe will delight your tastes and bring joyful moments with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!