Careme

Instructions

Swipe a step aside or click its number when it’s done.

1. 1.

   Finely dice 3/4 lb Roma tomatoes for the shared sauce; dice the other 1/4 lb and keep separate for the adult's finish. Cut 12 oz zucchini into thin half-moons. Thinly slice 2 garlic cloves. Tear 1/4 cup basil leaves, making about 4 tablespoons.

2. 2.

   Gently mix 12 oz ground pork with 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt. Put a large pot of 3 liters water on the stove to heat while you start the sauce.

3. 3.

   Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned pork and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles, until lightly browned and reaching 160°F.

4. 4.

   Add the prepared 3/4 lb tomatoes, 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, and 1/4 cup water to the pork. Simmer over medium-low heat for 10–12 minutes, stirring and pressing the tomatoes into a simple sauce. Stir in 2 tablespoons torn basil.

5. 5.

   While the sauce simmers, add 3 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon fine sea salt to the boiling pasta water. Add 6 oz dry penne and cook until just tender, following the package timing, usually 10–12 minutes. Drain without rinsing.

6. 6.

   Meanwhile, heat 2 teaspoons olive oil in a second large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the prepared zucchini and 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt. Cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender with golden edges. Transfer to a plate, keeping two small portions separate for the kids.

7. 7.

   For the adult's finish, lower the zucchini skillet to medium and add 1 teaspoon olive oil. Add the following:

   • 2 prepared sliced garlic cloves
   • 1/4 lb reserved diced tomatoes
   • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
   • 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
   • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

   Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring, until the garlic is fragrant and the tomatoes soften. Fold in the larger adult portion of cooked zucchini.

8. 8.

   Toss the drained penne with the shared pork sauce. Set aside two smaller portions for the kids, then fold the adult's portion into the skillet of seasoned vegetables. If either sauce needs loosening, add 1 tablespoon plain water to that portion.

9. 9.

   Plate the kids' pasta with their zucchini alongside, and serve the adult's vegetable-rich pasta in a warm bowl. Finish with the remaining 2 tablespoons torn basil, keeping the children's garnish separate if preferred.

Want more detail? See the temperature guide.