Penne with beef and garbanzo beans

This is a traditinal Portuguese dish that we make mainly during the winter. It is very satisfying and comforting. It makes a big batch and serves up to 6 people. You also can bring it to work, just microwave it and you will have a delicious lunch.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium onion diced
• 2 garlic cloves diced
• 2 tablespoons of extra vrigin olive oil
• 1/2 pound of 96% lean fresh beef (stir fry cut)
• 1 chourizo (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chorizo) sliced (replace with smoked sausage)
• 3 cups of penne
• 1 can of garbanzo beans - 15.5 oz
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of sea salt
• 1 cup of water
• pinch of pepper
• cilantro for garnish
  

Directions:

In a large pan, add the onion, garlic, chourizo, olive oil. Cook for a few minutes until the onion turns gold and soft.

Add the beef, salt and pepper and let the beef fry for a couple of minutes. As soon as the beef losses its pink/red color add the water, penne and garbanzo. Let everything cook in medium-low for 15-20 minutes. If the pasta looses the water too quickly add a little bit more. Make sure to stir the pasta a couple of times, while it cooks.

Garnish with cilantro.