Wormy pasta with meatballs.
Camera IconWormy pasta with meatballs. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Celebrate Roald Dahl’s birthday with The Twits wormy pasta and meatballs recipe

Tanya MacNaughtonEastern Reporter

AUTHOR Roald Dahl was one of the world’s best storytellers, creating vivid worlds in childhood favourites from James and the Giant Peach, Matilda and The BFG to The Twits and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

He was also a huge foodie and to celebrate what would have been Dahl’s birthday on September 13, Australian Beef and The Grounds of Alexandria have united to recreate dishes inspired by his imagination.

Head chef Paul McGrath said Dahl’s books were enjoyed by young and old the world over, and reading his magical stories to his children was always a memorable time.

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“I’ve always been inspired by Dahl’s imagination, so it was exciting to create these beef recipes that pay homage to his magical stories,” McGrath said.

“They are easy to cook up with the family and also offer a healthy choice with lots of hidden veggies packed in – just don’t tell the kids.”

WORMY PASTA WITH MEATBALLS – inspired by Mrs Twit

“It’s called Squiggly Spaghetti. It’s delicious. Eat it up while it’s nice and hot.”

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Serves: 6

INGREDIENTS

500g beef mince

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 tbsp Vegemite

1 carrot, finely chopped

1 onion, finely chopped

1 tbsp olive oil

500g passata sauce

400g tricolour pasta (the more shapes the better)

1 spiralised zucchini

1 tbsp butter

Parmesan and basil, to serve

METHOD

1. Using your hands, combine the mince, egg, Vegemite, carrot and onion. Season and roll into balls.

2. Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan. Cook half the meatballs for 4-5 minutes, turning as needed. Remove and repeat with the remaining meatballs.

3. Return the meatballs to the pan and add the passata. Cover and cook over medium heat for 20 minutes until cooked through.

4. Cook the pasta in a large pan of boiling water, as per packet instructions. For the spiralised zucchini, add to the boiling water 1 minute before the pasta is cooked. Drain and place in a bowl and toss with butter. Spoon the meatballs and sauce over the top and serve with basil leaves and finely grated parmesan.

TIPS

If you are using different types of pasta, make sure you put the pasta with the longest cooking time in the pot first to ensure they are ready at the same time.

You can substitute the zucchini for carrot or sweet potato spirals.

You can cook extra meatballs and pop them in the freezer for a quick lunchtime meal.