String Theory: Unifying a Single-Bowl Meal with Spaghetti Noodles

Chef Bleifer Spaghetti and Turkey Meatballs
The Pastafarians were the first to connect String Theory and single-bowl noodle dishes through abstract thought. We arrived at this saucy mind space after a couple of glasses of Lloyd Cellars Pinot Noir. Image courtesy of venganza.org.

As the world of science continues to pursue a unifying theory to explain physics, known as String Theory, the culinary world solved the one-bowl meal conundrum centuries ago. In 2005, a team of archaeologists reported finding an earthenware bowl that contained 4000-year-old noodles at the Lajia archaeological site in China. So from Asian noodles to Italian spaghetti (there’s a Marco Polo relativity joke somewhere here), these unleavened dough strings have been the cookery connectors in serving up endless deliciousness in single-bowl servings.

Our good friend Chef Robert Bleifer, former Executive Chef at Food Network and father, knows the advantages of serving up healthy, one-bowl meals to the family. Here, he shares his Spaghetti & Turkey Meatballs recipe. But, of course, he’s ‘adulted’ the meal by pairing our Lloyd Cellars Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir with this tasty and easy recipe. Dish up this combo to friends and family and let your minds wander off to places yet unexplored!

Make sure to follow Chef Bleifer’s culinary adventures on Instagram: @chef_robear

Shop >>> Lloyd Cellars Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

Chef Bleifer Spaghetti and Turkey Meatballs

Chef Bleifer Spaghetti & Turkey Meatballs

You'll want to gobble down Chef Robert Bleifer's turkey meatball and spaghetti recipe – each bite followed by a sip from a goblet full of our robust Lloyd Cellars Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir!
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground turkey not lean!
  • 1/4 cup fresh breadcrumbs place 1 large slice of bread in a spice grinder or mini-chopper
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated parmeggiano
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs basil, marjoram, oregano, thyme
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup dry red wine
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 4 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • Fresh grated parm and basil for serving optional

Instructions
 

  • In a medium-large bowl, mix together: turkey, breadcrumbs, parm, herbs, garlic, egg yolk, and salt. Mix thoroughly and form into balls slightly smaller than ping-pong balls. You should have close to 20.
  • Place a large saute pan medium-high heat, add the oil, and brown the meatball on all sides (adjusting the heat as necessary to keep from burning.)
  • When fully browned, deglaze with red wine, scrape up any stuck browned bits and let reduce until just a tablespoon remains. Transfer to a medium saucepan with the stock and marinara. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook covered for 45 minutes. If the sauce has gotten too thick, add water to bring back to the consistency of the jarred sauce.
  • Bring a large pot of water to boil and add 3 tablespoons of kosher salt. Add pasta and cook al dente, according to packaged directions.
  • Drain pasta, immediately toss with sauce and serve immediately.
  • Serve with extra grated parm and fresh basil if desired.
Keyword Chef Robert Bleifer, Lloyd Cellars, Pinot Noir, Recipe, Spaghetti and Turkey Meatballs

Chef Robert Bleifer’s Curried Chicken Salad Pairs Beautifully with Lloyd Chardonnay

Chef Bleifer Curried Chicken Salad
Photo courtesy of Institute of Culinary Education
Curry Up and Try This Delicious Food and Wine Pairing

As we transition from spring to summertime, outdoor dining and picnics can become a weekly event. Creating simple all-in-one dishes that hold up well to time and travel is a winning strategy. Chef Robert Bleifer’s Curried Chicken Salad is the perfect East-meets-West dish that can be served on bread, in a lettuce wrap, or over a fresh green salad. We hope you enjoy and remember to follow Chef Bleifer on Instagram at @chef_robear!

Tip: keep your curry on the milder side when pairing with wines.

Need more of our Lloyd Cellars Carneros Chardonnay? Click to order here!

Chef Bleifer Curried Chicken Salad

Chef Bleifer Curried Chicken Salad

Chef Robert Bleifer
Chef Robert Bleifer created this East-meets-West simple and classic recipe to pair with our Lloyd Cellars Carneros Chardonnay!
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon canola oil or safflower or sunflower
  • 2 teaspoons Madras curry powder
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 ½ cups chopped cooked chicken leftover or rotisserie
  • 1 small apple chopped into ¼ inch pieces
  • 1/4 cup chopped toasted walnuts
  • 1 small stalk celery chopped into ¼ inch pieces (optional)
  • Salt & pepper to taste my chicken was very well seasoned, and I didn’t need to add additional salt
  • Bread and baby romaine for serving

Instructions
 

  • Add oil to a small saute pan, stir in curry powder and place over low heat. 
    Stir often for about 3 minutes, or until the curry mixture gets fragrant and just starts to bubble. 
    Pour the curry into a medium bowl and add mayo. 
    Stir in remaining ingredients and season with salt andpepper to taste.
    Serve with bread and greens.

Notes

Chef Bleifer Curried Chicken Salad
Keyword Chardonnay, Curried Chicken Salad, Lloyd Cellars