Italian · serves 2

Baked Ziti

Assemble in twenty minutes, oven does thirty. Feeds six with almost no technique.

55 min Some work Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 500g penne or ziti
  • 2 cans tomatoes
  • 1 onion, 8 garlic cloves
  • 400g ricotta or hung curd
  • 3 cups grated mozzarella
  • 1 cup parmesan
  • 1 egg
  • Basil, oregano, chilli flakes
  • Olive oil

Method

  1. Sauce: onion and garlic in olive oil, tomatoes, oregano, salt. Simmer 20 minutes till thick. Watery sauce makes watery ziti.
  2. Boil the pasta 3 minutes short of the packet time. It finishes in the oven.
  3. Mix ricotta or hung curd with the egg, parmesan, salt and pepper.
  4. Toss the pasta with two-thirds of the sauce.
  5. Layer: pasta, spoonfuls of the ricotta mix, mozzarella. Repeat. Rest of the sauce and cheese on top.
  6. 190°C for 30 minutes, then grill 5 for a browned top. Rest 10 minutes before cutting.

Questions people ask about Baked Ziti

How long does Baked Ziti take?

About 55 minutes from starting to sitting down, and it is a bit of work. A good part of that is unattended, so you can get on with something else once it is going.

What can I use instead of pasta in Baked Ziti?

Use any short shape holds sauce better than long; cooking time changes, so go by the packet.

Can I make Baked Ziti ahead of time?

Yes, and it is better for it. Cool it fully, refrigerate for up to three days, and reheat gently with a splash of water. The flavours settle overnight.

Is Baked Ziti vegetarian?

Yes, it is vegetarian. It is not vegan as written because it contains dairy; swap the dairy for a plant alternative and the rest of the method is unchanged.

What do you serve with Baked Ziti?

A green salad and bread. Nothing else needed. It serves two as written. Double everything to feed four, but use a wider pan so the food still browns rather than steams.

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