Mediterranean-Style Minced Meat Pasta with Fresh Salad & Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

For the Pasta & Meat Sauce

• 12 oz (350 g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti work well)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb (450 g) minced beef or lamb (or a mix)
• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp cinnamon (Mediterranean touch)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, for serving)

For the Fresh Salad

• 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ red bell pepper, diced
• ¼ cup black olives, sliced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley or mint, chopped
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions