Maccaroni al Forno

Ingredients

600 g rigatoni (or ziti)

2 tomato puree

1 pack of tomato paste

300 g fiordilatte

3 aubergines

1 onion

1 rib celery

1 carrot

100 g Parmigiano Reggiano DOP

200 g minced meat

1 egg

Instructions:

start preparing the sauce, fry the finely chopped carrot, onion and celery in a couple of spoons of extra virgin olive oil, then add the tomato paste and finally the puree and salt. The sauce must be nice and thin. If it’s in season, add some fresh basil.

While the sauce is cooking, prepare the meatballs, working together the minced meat, the egg, 30 grams of parmesan and a little salt, form very small meatballs and fry them in plenty of seed oil, drain them on absorbent paper to eliminate the excess oil.

Now prepare the aubergines, cut them into fairly small cubes, and also fry the gold in plenty of oil, drain until golden brown. Also place the aubergines on an absorbent sheet of paper to remove excess oil.

At this point the main preparations sauce, meatballs and aubergines are ready, let’s prepare the pasta, place a pan with salted water on the heat and when it reaches the boil, throw in the pasta which you will drain halfway through cooking.

In the meantime, also cut the fiordilatte into small pieces. Once the pasta is ready, season it immediately with a couple of ladles of sauce and 1/3 of the leftover parmesan, mix well. Now in a nice high baking pan , cover the bottom with sauce, make a first layer of macaroni on which you will spread some aubergines, fiordilatte and meatballs, parmesan and more sauce, repeat until the pasta is finished. On the last layer, place a few pieces of fiordilatte, sauce and all the grated parmesan to complete.

Cook in a static oven at 180° for about 20 minutes, and finally grill for another 5 minutes to create a crunchy crust. Turn off and let your baked macaroni settle for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 500 | Protein: 20 grams | Carbohydrates: 60 grams | Fat: 20 grams

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta for Maccaroni al Forno?

Yes, you can substitute rigatoni or ziti with other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli based on your preference.

Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

Is there a substitute for fiordilatte?

If fiordilatte is unavailable, you can use mozzarella as a substitute.

Make sure to choose a mozzarella with a similar melting quality for the desired texture.

Can I make Maccaroni al Forno ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the components (sauce, meatballs, and aubergines) in advance.

Assemble the dish and refrigerate it.

Bake it when ready to serve, adjusting the baking time if it’s cold from the refrigerator.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Certainly! Omit the minced meat and adjust the seasoning to make a delicious vegetarian version.

You can also consider adding more vegetables or meat substitutes for extra flavor.

What can I serve with Maccaroni al Forno?

You can serve this dish with a side salad, garlic bread, or a simple tomato and basil bruschetta.

It pairs well with a light white wine or sparkling water for a complete meal.

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Parmigiano Reggiano DOP?

Yes, you can use a different hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano if Parmigiano Reggiano is not available.

Choose a cheese with a similar texture and flavor.

Is it necessary to fry the meatballs and aubergines, or can I bake or roast them instead?

Frying adds a specific texture and flavor, but you can opt to bake or roast the meatballs and aubergines for a healthier alternative.

Adjust cooking times accordingly.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the minced meat and enhance the dish with additional vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.

Adjust seasoning to suit your taste.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together while boiling?

Make sure to stir the pasta occasionally while boiling to prevent sticking.

Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the boiling water and stir, or follow the package instructions for optimal results.

Can I freeze Maccaroni al Forno for later use?

Yes, you can freeze Maccaroni al Forno.

After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.

Reheat in the oven when ready to serve.