Louisiana is culturally diverse, in so many ways. Many are aware that New Orleans and French-speaking South Louisiana prepare the worlds best Red Beans and Rice, but in Louisiana there are many cultures that come together and in varying ways to influence the cuisine found here. One of these cultures is Italian.
Many of the Italians that now call Louisiana home had grandparent that emigrated here at the turn of the century from southern Italy-Apulia, Calabria, and primarily Sicily, bringing with them a wonderful addition to our south Louisiana cuisine.
The recipe below, is one of those examples, where not only the traditional flavors of Italy take stage, but combine with the subtle heat flavors you have come to expect from south Louisiana. Enjoy!
Louisiana Style Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
1 pound spicy Italian sausage (casings removed)
1 pound ground beef
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups minced yellow onions
3 tablespoons minced garlic
2 cups red wine
6 cups fresh peeled diced tomatoes
1 can tomato paste (12 ounce)
2 tablespoons dried oregano
2 tablespoons dried basil
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon sea-salt
2 teaspoons paprika
In large stock pot place sausage, and ground beef, cook over medium heat until browned. Remove meat from pan, and drain off grease, set aside.
Return stock pot to heat, pour in olive oil, onions, and garlic; sauté until onions are tender. Return meat to pot, adding wine, tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, black pepper, red pepper flakes, sea-salt, and paprika.
Bring to boil, then reduce heat to medium low, cover and allow sauce to simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Serve over freshly cooked pasta and top with Parmesan cheese.
Serves 8
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Cooking with a Cajun 