Baked Ziti with Cauliflower

Adding vegetables to a baked pasta dish is a wonderful way to slim it down and make it a little bit healthier. My son enjoyed this version as much as our standard super cheesy baked ziti. Not only does this version incorporate cauliflower, it is also upgraded by adding flavor from saffron and anchovies.

This recipe was adapted from The New York Times, contributed by Martha Rose Shulman. The dish was inspired by another Sicilian cauliflower dish in Clifford A. Wright’s “Cucinia Paradiso.” I modified the recipe by roasting the cauliflower, increasing the garlic and tomatoes, using whole wheat pasta, and incorporating mozzarella cheese. Great.

Yield: Serves 6

• 1 medium cauliflower, about 2 pounds, leaves and stem trimmed, cut into florets
• coarse salt, to taste
• pinch of saffron threads
• 2-4 T extra virgin olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 anchovy fillets, rinsed and chopped
• 1 28-ounce can chopped tomatoes, with juice
• freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 2 T chopped flat leaf parsley
• ¾ pound ziti or penne rigate (I used whole wheat penne)
• 1/2 cup (2 ounces) pecorino or Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grated
• 1/2 pound part-skim mozzarella cheese, grated

1. Preheat an oven to 425 degrees, preferably on convection roast.
2. On a parchment paper lined, rimmed baking sheet, toss the cauliflower florets with 1-2 tablespoons of the olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast in preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until tender.
3. Reduce the oven temperature to 375 degrees, on convection.
4. Place the saffron in a small bowl and add 3 tablespoons warm water. Let steep for 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Combine the grated cheeses in a bowl.
6. Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium heat in a large, heavy skillet and add the garlic. Cook, stirring, until it smells fragrant, about 30 seconds to a minute, and add the anchovies and tomatoes. Season to taste with salt (remembering that the anchovies will contribute a lot of salt) and freshly ground pepper.
7. Turn the heat down to medium-low and cook, stirring often, until the tomatoes have cooked down and smell fragrant, about 10 minutes.
8. Stir in the roasted cauliflower, saffron with its soaking water, and parsley, cover and simmer for another 5 minutes. Remove from the heat. Taste and adjust seasonings.
9. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt generously. Add the pasta. Cook until just al dente, a few minutes less than you would cook it to serve. It will soften further when it bakes. (I cooked the whole wheat penne noodles for 5 minutes, 2 minutes shy of al dente.) Drain and transfer to a bowl.
10. Oil a 3-quart baking dish. Toss the pasta with half the cauliflower mixture and half the cheese and spoon into the baking dish.
11. Combine the remaining cauliflower mixture with half of the remaining cheese and spoon over the pasta.
12. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese over the top. Drizzle on the remaining tablespoon of oil.
13. Place in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until bubbling. Garnish with parsley, if desired. Serve hot.

One Year Ago:

• Orecchiette with Corn, Bacon, & Parmesan
• Roasted Squash with Cherry Tomatoes & Eggs

Two Years Ago:

• Pesto Polenta with Fresh Tomatoes

Three Years Ago:

• Grilled Bread with Marinated Tomato Salad with Arugula

Four Years Ago:

• Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Tomatillo Salsa
• Grilled Brined Pork Loin

Five Years Ago:

• Terrific Low Fat Lasagna
• Chicken & Dumplings

Advertisements

Eggplant Rollatini

Eggplant Rollatini is my absolute favorite dish to order when we go to Little Italy in the Bronx. Our family tradition is to go to the same restaurant each time we visit, Dominick’s, for delicious family-style Italian food. This dish is only served on Sundays- and only while it lasts. I’ve been disappointed on a couple of occasions when it has run out before we have been able to get in our order.

Making this dish was a fabulous way to use my gorgeous CSA eggplant! This recipe was adapted from Mad Hungry Family: 120 Essential Recipes to Feed the Whole Crew by Lucinda Scala Quinn. I didn’t peel the eggplants, reduced the amount of prosciutto, and increased the casserole baking time. The prosciutto can easily be omitted to make a vegetarian version. Wonderful.

For the Simple Tomato Sauce:

• 2 T olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
• one 28-ounce can of whole San Marzano tomatoes, cut with a knife or kitchen shears
• 1/2 tsp coarse salt

For the Eggplant and Filling:

• 2 cups fresh ricotta cheese
• 3 T grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, plus more for sprinkling
• 1 to 1 1/2 pounds fresh mozzarella cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 tsp coarse salt
• 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 4 T olive oil
• 2 large eggplants, peeled (if desired) and cut lengthwise into twelve to sixteen 1/4-inch-thick slices
• 5 to 8 oz sliced prosciutto, optional
• 1 loaf Italian bread, for serving

To Make the Sauce:

1. Heat a saucepan over medium heat, swirl in the oil, and add the garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring until the garlic lightly sizzles but does not brown, about 30 seconds.
2. Add the tomatoes and salt. Simmer over medium heat for at least 20 minutes and up to 30 minutes.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning, to taste.

To Make the Eggplant Rollatini:

1. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta and the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
2. Shred enough mozzarella to measure 1/2 cup and add it to the bowl; reserve the remaining mozzarella.
3. Add the egg, salt, and pepper and mix well.
4. Heat an oven to 400 degrees, preferably set to convection roast.
5. Brush the eggplant slices with oil on one side and place oil-side up on two parchment paper-lined, rimmed baking sheets.
6. Roast for 20 minutes, flipping the eggplant slices halfway through cooking.
7. Remove sheet pans from the oven and let the eggplant cool for about 10 minutes. (Keep oven on!)
8. Spread a thin layer of the ricotta mixture on each piece of eggplant.
9. Top with a slice of prosciutto, if using.
10. Roll the eggplant into a rollatini. Repeat with the remaining slices and filling.
11. Coat the bottom of a deep baking dish with some of the tomato sauce.
12. Place the rollatini in the dish, nestling them close to each other.
13. When the pan is filled, put some sauce on the top of the eggplants and sprinkle with Parmesan.
14. Finally, cut slices from the remaining fresh mozzarella and place on top of each rollatini.
15. Bake until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly brown in spots, about 20 to 30 minutes.
16. Let rest for at least 10 minutes before serving with slices of Italian bread.

One Year Ago:

• Summer Vegetable Gratin

Two Years Ago:

• Baked Rice with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe
• Strozzapreti with Roasted Tomatoes

Three Years Ago:

• Almond-Crusted Pork Scallopini with Apples & Arugula

Four Years Ago:

• Gratin of Eggplant, Roasted Red Peppers, & Garlic
• One-Pan Pasta

Five Years Ago:

• Cherry Tomato Tart with Basil
• Chicken Parm Meatballs

Marcella Hazan’s Butter, Tomato, & Onion Sauce

I made this sauce when I was still swimming in gorgeous fresh tomatoes. Because the sauce is so simple, it really showcases them. That being said, the quality of the tomatoes used is very important.

There are many debates about this famous sauce online. Much of the discussion is about whether or not butter (and its richness) should be incorporated into a tomato sauce. My vote is “YES!” 🙂 After tasting it, I think most would agree with me. Other discussions revolve around dissatisfaction with the results compared to the “hype.” Comments about the sauce being soupy and underwhelming may stem from using lower quality tomatoes or an abbreviated cooking time. We loved it.

My intention was to freeze the sauce to enjoy it during the winter, but it was too delicious to wait. The debate about this sauce in my house was about what type of pasta to serve it with! 😉 My husband won with his choice of pappardelle. Great.

This recipe was adapted from Hazan Family Favorites: Beloved Italian Recipes by Guiliano Hazan, via Epicurious.com. I increased the cooking time and reserved the onions after removing them from the tomato mixture (I pureed and seasoned them to serve as a spread on toasted baguette slices). Using fresh instead of canned tomatoes may have altered the total cooking time. I more than doubled the cooking time in order to achieve my desired consistency. I also pureed the finished sauce. Addictive!

Yield: Makes enough sauce for 1 pound of pasta

• 2 pounds ripe tomatoes (or 3 cups canned whole peeled tomatoes with their juice, preferably San Marzano)
• 1 medium sweet yellow onion
• 5 tablespoons butter
• 1 1/4 teaspoons coarse salt
• 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, to finish

1. If using fresh tomatoes, peel them: Score the base of each tomato and place it in a pot of boiling water for 30 seconds. Remove the tomato with a wire strainer and peel off the skin.
2. Coarsely chop the fresh or canned tomatoes.
3. Trim both ends of the onion; peel it and cut it in half lengthwise.
4. Put the tomatoes, onion, butter, and salt in a 4- to 5-quart saucepan over medium heat. When the tomatoes begin to bubble, lower the heat to a slow but steady simmer. Cook, stirring every 10 to 15 minutes, until the tomatoes are no longer watery and the sauce has reduced, about 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the size and shape of the pot. (I used an enameled cast iron pot.) The sauce is done when the butter has separated from the tomatoes and there is no remaining liquid.
5. Puree the finished sauce, if desired.
6. Prepare one pound of pasta in boiling, salted water according to package directions.
7. When you toss pasta with the sauce, add about 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Note: If the sauce is doubled, the cooking time will increase.

 One Year Ago:

• Greek Pie with Mixed Greens

Two Years Ago:

• Simple Barbecue Sauce
• Heirloom Tomato Crostada with Honey-Thyme Glaze

Three Years Ago:

• Pizza with Escarole, Fontina, & Walnuts
• Roasted Tomato & Pancetta Penne

Four Years Ago:

• Mexican Scrambled Egg & Bacon Tacos
• Baked Eggs with Arugula, Yogurt & Chili
• Fresh Tomato Sauce over Pasta

Creamy Ricotta, Fresh Corn & Tomato Baked Ziti

Yes! More tomatoes. They are taking over my kitchen! 🙂 I loved that this dish also incorporated sweet summer corn- and basil.

This is a wonderful summertime version of one of my favorite winter casseroles. Cheesy but not too rich. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

The recipe was adapted from TheKitchn.com, contributed by Christine Gallary. I modified the proportions, reduced the pasta cooking time, and used Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese in the sauce. Great.

Yield: Serves 6 to 8

• cooking spray
• 1 pound dried penne or ziti pasta
• 15 to 16 ounces whole-milk ricotta cheese
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• 6 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more as needed
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 pounds tomatoes (about 4 to 5 medium), diced
• 2 cups fresh corn kernels (I used kernels from 3 ears of corn)
• 1/3 cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Meanwhile, arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 425°F, preferably on convection. Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray; set aside.
3. Add the pasta to the water and cook about 2 minutes shy of al dente, about 8 minutes, or adjust according to package directions.
4. Meanwhile, place the ricotta cheese, milk, Parmigiano-Reggiano, garlic, salt, and pepper in a blender and blend until very smooth; set aside. (I used a Vitamix.)
5. Drain the pasta and return to the pot. Add the tomatoes, corn, and ricotta sauce and stir until thoroughly combined.
6. Transfer to the baking dish. Cover tightly with foil.
7. Bake until bubbling around the edges, 30 minutes. Uncover and stir to evenly coat with sauce.
8. Taste and season with salt as needed. Sprinkle with the basil. Serve.

Note: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

One Year Ago:

• Southern Pimento Cheese Dip

Two Years Ago:

• Ritzy Summer-Squash Casserole

Three Years Ago:

• Summer Vegetable Tortilla Casserole
• Roasted Sicilian Eggplant & Ricotta Bake

Four Years Ago:

• Basil Pesto & Tomatoes over Fresh Whole Wheat Pasta
• Eggplant & Wild Mushroom “Meatballs” in Tomato Sauce

Spaghetti with Tomatoes & Anchovy Butter

My husband waters a friends’ tomato plants for one week every summer while they are on vacation. I really look forward to it because we get to eat all of the ripe specimens. 🙂

This dish was a spectacular way to use our giant load of vine-ripened tomatoes. The stick of butter in the sauce made it restaurant-esque. 😉 Rich and absolutely fabulous!

This recipe was adapted from Bon Appetit, contributed by Alison Roman. I doubled the recipe, increased the garlic, and used whole wheat spaghetti. The whole wheat pasta added a wonderful bite to the finished dish. I also omitted incorporating pasta water into the sauce because the consistency was perfect without it. I did save it for re-heating the leftovers.

Yield: 8 servings

• 16 ounces whole wheat spaghetti
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 4 anchovy fillets packed in oil, drained
• 12 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 4 pounds medium tomatoes, cut into eighths
• coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
• chopped tender herbs (such as flat-leaf parsley, tarragon, and/or chives), as desired

1. Cook spaghetti; drain, reserving 1 cup pasta cooking liquid.
2. Meanwhile, heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Cook anchovies and garlic, stirring often, until anchovies are broken down and garlic is soft, about 4 minutes.
4. Add tomatoes; season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until falling apart, 8–10 minutes.
5. Toss in pasta; cook until sauce coats pasta, about 2 minutes. Incorporate pasta water to achieve desired sauce consistency.
6. Toss in herbs, for garnish, as desired.

One Year Ago:

• Ottolenghi’s Deconstructed Baba Ghanouj

Two Years Ago:

• Arugula with Sautéed Corn & Shallots

Three Years Ago:

• Pesto Pasta Salad with Spinach, Peas, & Pine Nuts
• Ina Garten’s Provencal Tomatoes

Four Years Ago:

• Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Browned Butter, Swiss Chard, Walnuts, & Golden Raisins
• Pasta alla Norma

Bucatini with Roasted & Fresh Tomatoes

This is a wonderful seasonal dish to make with summer tomatoes. It was especially fabulous with my new favorite pasta, bucatini, too. We ate it warm but it could also be enjoyed at room temperature. The crunchy, cheesy croutons really added something special.

I used store-bought ricotta as a shortcut, but included a link to freshly made ricotta below. This recipe was (very slightly) adapted from Martha Stewart Living. Quick and delicious!

Yield: Serves 4

• 1 pound grape or cherry tomatoes (3 cups)
• 7 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3 slices rustic bread, crusts removed, torn into small pieces (1 1/2 cups) (I used Trader Joe’s Tuscan Pane)
• 1/4 cup finely grated Pecorino Romano (1/2 ounce), plus more for serving
• 2 medium tomatoes, cut into a 1/2-inch dice (2 cups)
• 1/4 cup packed shredded fresh basil, plus sprigs for serving
• 3 tablespoons shredded fresh mint, plus sprigs for serving (I omitted the mint)
• 12 ounces bucatini, spaghetti, or linguine
• 1 cup fresh ricotta

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees, preferably on convection.
2. In an 8-inch square baking dish, toss cherry tomatoes with 3 tablespoons oil; season with salt and pepper. Roast until bursting and charred in spots, 20 to 30 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, on a parchment paper-lined rimmed baking sheet, toss bread with 2 tablespoons oil and Pecorino Romano; season with salt and pepper. Roast, tossing halfway through, until golden brown and crisp, about 12 minutes.
4. Toss diced tomatoes, basil, and mint (if using) with remaining 2 tablespoons oil; season with salt and pepper.
5. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta; cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup liquid; drain.
6. Return pasta to pot; toss with roasted tomatoes, their oil, and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. (Tomatoes should coat pasta but not create much of a sauce.) Season with salt and pepper.
7. Divide among plates, then give each a dollop of ricotta, a spoonful of fresh-tomato mixture, and a sprinkle of croutons.
8. Serve, garnished with a sprig or two of herbs, a generous drizzle of oil, and some cheese and pepper.

One Year Ago:

• Fresh Tomato Sauce

Two Years Ago:

• Summer Pasta with Zucchini, Basil, & Ricotta
• Pappardelle with Mashed Peas & Pecorino

Three Years Ago:

• Spinach & Ricotta Pappardelle
• Herbed Ricotta Pasta with Corn & Zucchini

Four Years Ago:

• Mini-Farfalle with Zucchini & Parsley-Walnut Pesto
• Panzanella with Ricotta

Fresh Strawberry Gelato

I am always a little apprehensive to make strawberry ice cream. In the past, I’ve tried various strategies to keep the berries from becoming icy and hard in the finished product. Pureeing the berries in this gelato was the perfect solution. My beautiful freshly picked berries may have helped too. 🙂

This recipe was adapted from Katrina and Carmelo Turillo, owners of La Divina Gelateria in New Orleans, via Bon Appetit. I didn’t strain the puree, chilled the base overnight in the refrigerator, and churned the gelato for 25 minutes in my ice cream maker. I may add some vanilla extract next time. It was excellent!

Yield: Makes about 4 cups

• 3/4 cup sugar (preferably organic)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 1/4 cups sliced hulled strawberries
• 2 tablespoons pomegranate juice

1. Prepare a large bowl of ice water.
2. Stir sugar and cornstarch in heavy medium saucepan. Whisk in milk and cream.
3. Whisk over medium heat until gelato base thickens and begins to bubble, about 5 minutes. Pour into bowl.
4. Immerse bowl in prepared ice water to cool, stirring occasionally.
5. Puree strawberries in processor. Stir into gelato base.
6. Mix in pomegranate juice.
7. Chill 3 hours or overnight.
8. Process in ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s instructions, about 25 to 30 minutes.
9. Transfer to container. Cover surface directly with plastic wrap and the container lid; freeze until firm, at least 3 hours and up to 2 days.

One Year Ago:

• Milk Bar Sugar Cookie-Cake Squares

Two Years Ago:

• Strawberry Cornmeal Griddle Cakes
• Lemony Butter Cookies

Three Years Ago:

• Oven-Baked Blueberry Pancake
• Mini “M&M” Cookies

Four Years Ago:

• Whole-Wheat Raspberry Ricotta Scones
• Pretzel-Shortbread Bars