• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 pounds ground lamb
• 1/3 cup tomato paste
• 3/4 cup dry red wine
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1 1/4 pounds baby spinach, chopped
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped mint
• 1 pound spaghetti
• 1/3 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese, for sprinkling

1. In a large casserole, heat the olive oil over moderately high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring, until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the lamb and cook, stirring, until the meat is lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste, wine and oregano; season with salt and pepper. Cover and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes. Add the spinach and mint and cook, covered, for 10 minutes longer.
2. Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid. Toss the pasta with the cooking liquid and the ground lamb sauce. Serve at once with the Pecorino cheese.

Food and Wine 2001