Change Up

When I was planning tonight's meal, I failed to take into serious consideration today's weather - damp, cool and November-like. So, I decided I needed something warm and comforting. And healthy - although, honestly, cheesy potatoes and a bowl of french steaming-hot onion soup sounded really tempting. But, since my doctors, trainer and heart probably wouldn't love the massive sodium intake, I instead went with a lighter version of bolognese.

I am sure that some of my Italian peeps will shudder at this version, but since my ancestors are more of the Eastern European variety, I feel no shame.

Chicken Spaghetti Bolognese
Source: Eat Better America (an e-newsletter I receive)

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• 1 lbs uncooked multigrain spaghetti
• 2 tbsp evoo
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and finely chopped
• 1-28oz can crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 c. white wine
• 1 c. low-sodium chicken broth (I use unsalted)
• 2 tbsp fresh basil or 1 tsp dried basil (I used dried basil)
• 1 tsp sugar
• salt and pepper (skip and skip)
• 1/3 c. fat-free half and half
• parm cheese

Directions:

• Heat oil over high heat in a medium pot. Add onions, garlic, celery, carrots and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Saute until veggies are soft, about 5 minutes.
• Add the ground chicken, sprinkle with a little salt and pepper and brown for a few minutes. Then turn up the heat and add wine, being sure to scrap the brown bits from off the bottom of the pan.
• Simmer uncovered over low heat, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens, about 15 mins. Remove from heat. If sauce is too thick, add more chicken stock. Taste the sauce and if it needs it, add a little more salt and pepper.
• Add half and half and serve over 1lb of cooked spaghetti and sprinkle with parm cheese.

Yield: 8 servings
Per serving: 370 cals; 9g fat (sat: 2g; trans 0g); choles: 35mg; sodium: 690mg; cabs: 54g; protein: 19g; fiber: 6g; sugars: 8g.

Reviews:
First of all, look at the ingredients. Then look at the directions. Then look at the ingredients. The directions kind of skipped, um, several of the ingredients. ???? So, I improvised and just added all of the left-out ingredients in step 2. Hm. Aaaaannnd - what's up with adding all of that salt? I also let it simmer for a little bit longer than 15 minutes, because unlike in the directions, the sauce was not even close to being too thick. Plus I was on the phone and not paying close enough attention. Oh - and I completely forgot to add the half and half. Oh well. I also added a bit of oregano in addition to the basil. You may now call me Julia Child. (Just DO NOT compare my blog to Julie & Julia!)

Despite all of this, the overall taste was good. Not tons of flavor, but luckily none of us have particularly refined palates. The kid did note that he enjoyed the chicken in the dish. It hit the spot on a cold, damp night.

Forgot to add broccoli tonight as planned - oh well!