🍝 American Chop Suey, Italian Style 🇮🇹
American Chop Suey, also known as Goulash or American Goulash, is a hearty and comforting pasta dish with Italian-American origins. It’s a favorite in many American households and combines pasta, ground meat, tomatoes, and various seasonings. Here’s a detailed breakdown of this classic dish:
📜 History:
American Chop Suey has its roots in Italian cuisine but has evolved into a distinct American dish. Italian immigrants who settled in the United States adapted their traditional pasta dishes to incorporate ingredients that were readily available in the new world. Over time, this led to the creation of American Chop Suey, which bears similarities to Italian dishes like pasta with meat sauce.
🥘 Components:
The key components of American Chop Suey include:
- Pasta: Most commonly, elbow macaroni or another small pasta shape is used.
- Ground Meat: Ground beef is traditional, but ground turkey or pork can also be used.
- Tomato Sauce: A rich tomato sauce forms the base of the dish.
- Seasonings: Garlic, onions, oregano, and basil are often used to flavor the sauce.
- Cheese: Some recipes call for cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, to be melted on top.
- Optional Ingredients: You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
🍽️ Preparation:
Here are the steps to prepare American Chop Suey:
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta until it’s al dente (firm to the bite), following the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet or pan, cook the ground meat over medium-high heat until it’s browned and crumbled. Remove any excess fat.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the pan with the meat. Sauté until they become fragrant and the onions turn translucent.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in canned crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- Serve: Optionally, sprinkle cheese on top and let it melt. Then, serve your American Chop Suey hot.
⏲️ Time Needed:
The total time to prepare American Chop Suey is approximately 30-40 minutes, including prep and cooking time. It’s a relatively quick and easy dish to make, which makes it a popular choice for busy weeknight dinners.
Enjoy your delicious Italian-American comfort food! 🍽️🇺🇸🇮🇹
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for American Chop Suey:
Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximate values):
- Calories: 350-400 calories
- Protein: 15-20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 35-45 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 3-5 grams
- Sugars: 5-8 grams
- Fat: 15-20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 4-7 grams
- Cholesterol: 30-50 milligrams
- Sodium: 500-700 milligrams
- Vitamins and Minerals: Contains various essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron. The specific amounts can vary based on the recipe and ingredients used.
Health Information:
- Protein: American Chop Suey provides a moderate amount of protein, which is essential for muscle health and overall body function.
- Carbohydrates: It contains carbohydrates primarily from pasta, which can provide energy. Opting for whole wheat pasta can increase fiber content.
- Fiber: The dish can offer a moderate amount of dietary fiber if you include vegetables. Fiber is important for digestive health.
- Fat: While it does contain fat, you can control the type and amount of fat by choosing lean ground meat and reducing cheese. Olive oil can be used for healthier fats.
- Sodium: Be mindful of sodium content, especially if you use canned tomato products, as they can be high in salt. You can choose low-sodium options or use fresh tomatoes.
- Vegetables: Adding vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms increases the nutritional value of the dish, providing vitamins and minerals.
Overall, American Chop Suey can be a balanced meal when prepared with lean protein and plenty of vegetables. To make it even healthier, consider whole wheat pasta and reducing the amount of cheese used. Adjusting the recipe to your dietary preferences and needs can make it a nutritious option for your meal.
