To make pasta timbale in crust, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 lb. of short pasta such as ziti or rigatoni
– 1 lb. of ground beef or pork
– 1 cup of tomato sauce
– 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup of frozen peas
– 1 cup of diced ham or salami (optional)
– 1/2 cup of sliced black olives (optional)
– 1/2 cup of raisins (optional)
– 1/2 cup of pine nuts (optional)
– 2 sheets of puff pastry or a large round loaf of bread
– 1 egg, beaten
To make the filling for the pasta timbale, start by cooking the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a large pan, brown the ground meat over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once the meat is cooked through, add the tomato sauce, peas, Parmesan cheese, and any optional ingredients you like. Cook for a few more minutes until heated through and well combined.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out one sheet of puff pastry or slice off the top of the bread loaf and hollow out the inside, leaving a 1-inch thick crust. Spoon the pasta filling into the crust, packing it tightly and smoothing out the top. If using puff pastry, cover the filling with the second sheet of pastry and crimp the edges together to seal. If using bread, replace the top crust and seal the edges with egg wash. Brush the entire surface of the timbale with the beaten egg to create a shiny, golden crust.
Bake the pasta timbale for 30-40 minutes or until the crust is puffed and golden brown. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
Pasta timbale in crust is a true labor of love that requires patience and skill, but the final result is well worth the effort. Not only does it look impressive, but it also tastes delicious and is sure to impress your dinner guests. The best part is that you can customize the filling to your liking, adding or omitting ingredients as you please. So why not give this classic Italian dish a try and see for yourself why it’s been a favorite for generations?