Tuesday, March 13, 2012

American Chop Sui

This recipe was started by my grandmother, passed on to my mom, and then passed on to my sister and me.  I honestly have no idea where the name came from, I'm sure my grandparents came up with it for some silly reason.  I've grown up eating this dish.  It is very kid friendly, easy to make, freezes well, and is a complete meal in one pot.

Ingredients: 
1/2 pound ground turkey or ground beef
1/2 box of elbow pasta(or shells, any small pasta will do)
1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 1/2 cups frozen mixed veggies, of whatever other variety you like
1 can tomato sauce
Italian seasoning to taste

Start Cooking:
1.  Cook the pasta per the directions on the box.  While the pasta is cooking, saute the onions and ground meat in a large pan.  After a few minutes, add the green peppers.

2.  Continue cooking for about 5 more minutes, then pour half the tomato sauce into the pan and add the seasonings.  


3.  Once the pasta is done cooking, drain and add to the meat mixture.  Add the frozen veggies.  Stir so everything is incorporated.  Continue cooking for a few more minutes so the veggies become warm. 

4. Serve with bread and grated cheese.  

Tips and Hints:
1.  Use whole grain pasta for extra fiber.  You won't taste any difference and it's a good way to get kids to eat more whole grain. 
2.  Make a double batch and freeze for later.  
3.  This recipe is really easy to tailor to your own taste; use whatever seasonings, meats, veggies you like. 

Enjoy!