One Pot Monday

For those of you who have been around a while, my posts are rarely written “on the fly”. Well, well in advance I’ve researched the dish, given thought to the theme and written my share. Only a day or two ahead of a posting do I tweak anything due to current events.

When I speak now of Hubby’s recovery, the post itself goes public at the six-week mark, but the reality is that the surgery itself was just one week ago. Hip replacement surgery is amazing. He went into the operating room at 2 pm, and was in recovery just an hour and a half later. By five they had him up and walking, teaching us how to maneuver the 2 steps necessary to enter the house. There were all sorts of warnings and restrictions along with strict instructions when he was released to home-care. Yeah, right.

Hubby and I are cut from the same cloth when it comes to down time – it’s just not in our nature. By day 2 he was managing the steps just fine, taking 10 to 15 minutes walks outside several times a day to exercise that new hip while breathing in fresh air. We were told by the surgeon no leaving the house for any reason sooner than 4 weeks. We were told my surgeon’s assistant important life events (graduations, weddings, that sort of thing) were fine but to limit our time and not over-do. Life events. Okay, four days after Hubby’s surgery was Laetare Sunday. That’s a life event, right? Four weeks, four days – four was in there. It’s a matter of priority, accepting those things must be limited (such as his ability to help in the kitchen, pull on his socks and dig in the garden), while placing an unconditional priority on the need to attend Mass. Healing involves being as active as possible, trusting God, and letting Him fill us with a positive and determined attitude. On day 17 Hubby was able to return to work full time.

There were moments early on, in the first few days that were a struggle for me. I’ve always been the one to cook and keep the house. These responsibilities were not new. But I felt nothing could slip through the cracks. I needed to keep on top of his meds, make sure he stayed hydrated, ate well and did not feel like he was a burden. I was so afraid something would fall through the cracks, that I’d forget something or do something wrong. It took a minute to let go, to give it up to God.

That also meant simplifying things, including our meals. One pot supper – what could be more simple? Enjoy the world around you. Realize every moment is a blessing. Trust in God, for H will never give you more than you can handle. Let Him be your strength, your rock and your friend.

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While this one pot spaghetti is delicious – don’t make it while in Italy. You just might get deported! This is such an American dish.

Dutch Oven Spaghetti
1/2 large White Onion
2 Garlic Cloves
1 lb Ground Beef
1 (14 oz) can Tomato Sauce
1 (14 oz) can Diced Tomatoes
2 cups Water
Pinch Red Pepper Flakes
1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
1/2 teaspoon Salt or to taste
1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper or to taste
8 oz Spaghetti Pasta
Parmesan Cheese as desired

Cut onion in half from root to tip. Reserve half for another purpose, peel and dice remaining half. Peel and mince garlic, set aside.

Heat a Dutch Oven over medium-high heat. Crumble ground beef into the pan. Add onions and garlic, cook, breaking meat apart as it browns. Once the onions are translucent and the meat is cooked, drain well and discard grease.

Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and water. Season with pepper flakes, oregano, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer, stirring often, for about 30 minutes.

Break spaghetti pasta into thirds, add to the Dutch Over. Cover; simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring often to keep pasta separate. Add more water if necessary.

Serve spaghetti straight from the pot, topped with Parmesan Cheese or pass the cheese tableside to use as desired.

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Blessed are they who follow the law of the Lord!