Fried Ziti Peasant Pasta Food

BAKED ZITI

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350.
• Boil ziti, following package directions, drain and place in a large bowl.
• Mix all the ricotta cheese and half of the mozzarella with the ziti.
• Spray a 13x9 pan with Pam.
• Cover the bottom half of the pan with about half the sauce.
• Put the ziti mixture on top of sauce.
• Pour remaining sauce on top of ziti.
• Sprinkle with the parmesan cheese.
• Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
• Bake for 20-30 minutes until cheese is melted and it is lightly golden.

ZITI WITH ROASTED ZUCCHINI AND GARLIC

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
• Toss zucchini, shallots, 5 tablespoons oil, garlic, and crushed red pepper in a bowl until coated. Spread on rimmed baking sheets and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Roast vegetables in the preheated oven, turning occasionally, until tender, about 30 minutes.
• While vegetables are roasting, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook ziti pasta at a boil, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, 9 to 12 minutes. Drain, reserving 3/4 cup cooking water.
• Toss cooked pasta with 1 tablespoon oil. Transfer to a large pot. Add roasted vegetables, 1/4 cup cooking water, and remaining 1 tablespoon oil; stir over medium heat until heated through. Add 3/4 cup basil and Parmesan cheese. Toss, adding remaining cooking water, 1 tablespoon at a time, if dry. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with remaining basil sprinkled on top.

ZITI AL MULIGNAN (BAKED PASTA WITH EGGPLANT)

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
• In a large pot, boil the water.
• When it boils, add the salt and pasta.
• Stir for thirty seconds.
• Boil the pasta for eight minutes and drain.
• Cut the eggplant into 1 cm cubes.
• In a large bowl, using your hands, toss with the olive oil, garlic, and parmigiano cheese.
• Add salt, pepper, and oregano and toss.
• Grate the mozzarella.
• Toss 2/3 of the mozzarella cheese with the eggplant mixture.
• Reserve the other third.
• Using a spoon, flick bits of the ricotta into the bowl.
• Toss gently with your hands, using a folding technique- start at the bottom and fold it over the top so you don't spread the ricotta too much.
• Oil a 23 cm (9 in) square pan.
• When the pasta is cool enough to handle, add it to the bowl and toss quickly.
• Spread the mixture in the baking pan.
• Cover with the tomato sauce.
• Bang the pan on the counter a few times to get everything to settle and the air bubbles out.
• Cover with the remaining mozzarella.
• Cover LOOSELY with a"tent" of tin foil- do not let the foil touch the food!
• Bake for 35 minutes.
• Remove the tin foil and bake for 10 minutes more.
• Rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.