Miranda's Hodge-Podge
This is a simple weekday meal that my dad would make at least once a week. I loved it and make it for my family every couple of months to keep the tradition alive. It is really quick, basic, and has veggies my son will only eat this way.
This is a simple weekday meal that my dad would make at least once a week. I loved it and make it for my family every couple of months to keep the tradition alive. It is really quick, basic, and has veggies my son will only eat this way.
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound penne tri-color pasta
- 2 tablespoons fine sea salt or 1 tablespoon coarse kosher salt
- 1 pound kielbasa sausage cut into 1/4 inch wedges
- 2 medium zucchini cut into 1/4 inch wedges
- 2 medium yellow squash cut into 1/4 inch wedges
- 1 medium onion sliced 1/4 inch lengthwise
- 1 large red bell pepper sliced 1/4 inch lengthwise
- 1 container baby bella cremini mushrooms cut into quarters or halves depending on size
- 2-3 cloves fresh garlic, peeled press garlic or chop very fine
- 1/2 jar favorite pasta sauce we like bertolli organic basil and olive oil
- reduced fat mozzarella shredded
- Carbohydrate 7.73786666666667 g
- Cholesterol 54.4310844 mg
- Fat 20.9543759604079 g
- Fiber 2.32300001382828 g
- Protein 13.4611814388333 g
- Saturated Fat 6.79533414423331 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (334g)
- Sodium 2828.24592907081 mg
- Sugar 5.41486665283839 g
- Trans Fat 1.91555446323987 g
- Calories 272 calories
Step-by-step
- In large pasta pot, add salt to water and bring to boil. Add pasta and cook per directions for al dente.
- Use pan from browning sausage and add olive oil. Heat to medium until olive oil begins to ripple, but not smoke, and scrape brown bits into olive oil for added flavor for 30 seconds.
- Add onions, red bell pepper, zucchini and squash. Stir gently every 30 seconds until veggies begin to brown. Salt and pepper to taste.
- Turn heat to low. Add mushrooms and garlic. Stir gently to mix ingredients for approx. 3 minutes. Do not let garlic burn.
- After draining pasta (do NOT run under cold water), put back into pot on low heat.
- Add browned sausage and sauce.
- Stir occasionally and keep covered until veggies are completed.
- Once veggies are cooked, add to pot, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pan.
- Combine ingredients gently by folding from the outside in.
- Serve with mozzarella on top.
Miranda's Hodge-Podge: A Taste of Home
This recipe isn't just a dish; it's a trip down memory lane. It’s the kind of comfort food that warms you from the inside out, a simple pleasure that reminds me of my childhood. My dad, a man of simple tastes and even simpler cooking methods, made this at least once a week. The aroma alone would fill our house, a promise of a hearty and delicious meal. The best part? It's incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it a perfect weeknight meal for busy families.
For me, this Hodge-Podge isn't just about the delicious flavors; it's about preserving a family tradition. It's about the time spent in the kitchen, the happy chatter around the table, and the feeling of connection that a shared meal brings. Every couple of months, I make it for my own family, passing on the recipe and the memories attached to it. It's become our little ritual, a way to honor my dad's legacy and create new memories with my loved ones. My son, who’s notoriously picky, surprisingly loves this dish. It's one of the few ways I can get him to eat his vegetables! He especially adores the slightly browned zucchini and squash, and the creamy mozzarella adds a perfect finishing touch.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. There's no complicated technique or obscure ingredients. It’s all about letting the fresh flavors of the vegetables shine. The slightly browned sausage adds a savory depth, complementing the sweetness of the peppers and the earthiness of the mushrooms. The creamy texture of the pasta sauce binds everything together, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. I often use Bertolli organic basil and olive oil pasta sauce, but feel free to use your own favorite. The key is to use a sauce you love, one that enhances the overall flavor profile without overpowering it.
Beyond the Recipe: This Hodge-Podge transcends the boundaries of a simple meal. It's a symbol of family, tradition, and the simple joys of home-cooked food. The act of making it, sharing it, and savoring it is as important as the taste itself. So, gather your family, put on some music, and enjoy the process of creating something delicious and meaningful. It's more than just dinner; it's a celebration of the things that truly matter. The ease and speed make it an ideal option for a busy weeknight when you want a healthy and hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It's a delicious reminder that even the simplest recipes can hold the greatest memories.
I encourage you to experiment! Add different vegetables, try various types of sausage, or even use a different type of pasta. The recipe is a guideline; feel free to adjust it to your own preferences and what you have on hand. The most important ingredient is love – the love you put into making the dish and the love you share with those you eat it with.
So, go ahead, give Miranda's Hodge-Podge a try. It might just become a family favorite in your home, too. The simple act of making this dish is a way to connect with your family and cherish those special moments together. The warmth of the meal extends far beyond the delicious flavors. It’s a feeling of comfort, a sense of home, and a reminder of the simple joys that matter most.
Tips and Variations:
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vegetables.
- Substitute Italian sausage for kielbasa for a different flavor profile.
- Add some spinach or kale to the vegetables for extra nutrients.
- If you don't have fresh garlic, use minced garlic from a jar.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping in the delicious sauce.
Enjoy this versatile and flavorful dish, and don't be afraid to make it your own! Happy cooking!
