Active Time

　　20 min

　　Total Time

　　45 min

　　Here we combine some favorite flavors in an eclectic pasta dish. We don't think you'll mind the loose definition of meatball: Free-form versions are terrifically satisfying and don't require any shaping.

　　

Ingredients

Makes 6 servings

　　1 1/4 pounds meatloaf mix (ground beef, pork, and veal; preferably not mixed together)

　　4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

　　1 teaspoon ground cumin

　　1 large red onion, chopped

　　2 medium carrots, finely chopped

　　2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

　　1 cup sweet (red) vermouth

　　Rounded 1/8 teaspoon hot red-pepper flakes

　　1 tablespoon cornstarch

　　1 3/4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth

　　2 celery ribs, finely chopped

　　1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

　　1 pound thin linguine or spaghetti

　　1/3 cup celery leaves, coarsely chopped

　　Accompaniment: grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

　　

Step 1

Break meat into 1 1/2-inch clumps (do not mix meats). Heat 2 tablespoon oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Cook meat with cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until pale golden in spots (insides will not be fully cooked), about 3 minutes. Transfer meat with a slotted spoon to a plate.

　　

Step 2

Add remaining 2 tablespoons oil to skillet and cook onion, carrots, and garlic over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until onion begins to turn golden, 5 to 8 minutes.

　　

Step 3

Add vermouth and red-pepper flakes and bring to a boil. Whisk cornstarch into broth, then stir into onion mixture and return to a boil, stirring. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.

　　

Step 4

Stir in meat, juices from plate, celery, and lemon juice and simmer until meat is just cooked through, about 3 minutes.

　　

Step 5

Cook linguine in a pasta pot of boiling salted water (2 tablespoons salt for 6 quarts water) until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta-cooking water, then drain pasta. Add to meat along with celery leaves and cook over medium-low heat until just heated through. Add cooking water to moisten if needed. Season with salt and pepper.