American Chop Suey

Poppa never gave any precise ingredients for his American Chop Suey recipe. I am not even sure how I came up with the one you kiddos are used to...maybe from your father? Poppa's version sat on the stove in a MONSTROUS pot, from which anyone entering the house would scoop massive quantities into their bowls and chow down. So good! Here is the recipe you are familiar with--the smaller-potted version:

American Chop Suey

Ingredients
(will serve four)

• olive oil
• 6-8 cloves of garlic, crushed garlic
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1-1 1/4 lb. ground beef or turkey
• 1 small can diced tomatoes (10 oz.?)

Radiatore 

• 2 small or 1 large can tomato puree (28 oz.?)
• Worcester sauce
• oregano to taste
• basil to taste
• garlic salt to taste
• pepper to taste
• 1 box of elbow macaroni (Mama prefers Radiatore)

Into the bottom of a good-sized pot, pour a thin layer of olive oil. Add the garlic and the onions, and cook on medium heat for one minute. Add your ground meat to the pot, and cook until no pink remains. Drain off any grease. Add tomatoes, puree, Worcester, oregano, basil, garlic salt, and pepper. Combine well. Cover your pot and simmer on low for several hours. (You can even transfer the sauce into your crockpot and set it to low for a few hours.)

Prepare your pasta according to directions. Drain thoroughly and mix with sauce. Delish!

Poppa would serve this dish with Italian bread from Micucci's (I think, although your father may remember better), and a salad served in a bowl he had rubbed the inside of with fresh garlic. Sure miss Poppa's cooking!

Enjoy!

Love,
~Mama