Basilicata baked pasta, or pasta al forno alla lucana, is a delicious and nutritious dish that has been enjoyed by families in the region for generations. Made with fresh, simple ingredients, this dish is perfect for a special evening meal or a family gathering.
To start, you will need to gather the following ingredients:
• 1 pound of rigatoni pasta
• 1 pound of ground beef (or sausage)
• 1 onion
• 1 bell pepper
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 4 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1/2 cup of red wine
• 2 cups of tomato sauce
• 1 cup of Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup of mozzarella cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni pasta for about 2 minutes less than the package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or sausage) and cook until browned, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce heat to low, add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables are soft, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the red wine and let it reduce for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Mix in the tomato sauce and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir in salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Add the meat mixture and mix well.
7. In a large baking dish, drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add half of the pasta-meat mixture.
8. Sprinkle half the Parmesan cheese, and then half the mozzarella cheese over the pasta. Layer the remaining pasta-meat mixture on top.
9. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella cheese over the top of the dish.
10. Bake for approximately 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese has melted.
11. Allow the dish to cool for at least 5 minutes before serving.
Basilicata baked pasta recipe is a hearty and delicious meal that will impress your family and friends. The dish combines the textures of pasta, meat, and cheese, creating a mouth-watering flavour with every bite. You can switch up the ingredients to your liking, add vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms to enhance the nutritional value of the dish. Don’t forget to include a salad of your choice to balance the meal.
In conclusion, Basilicata baked pasta recipe has been a staple in the Italian cuisine for generations. The dish is a perfect balance of flavour, texture, and nutrition that offers a great alternative to traditional pasta dishes. Give this recipe a try, and savor the exquisite taste of Southern Italy. Buon Appetito!