Baked Ziti with Eggplant Delight
Experience a classic Italian delight with a healthy twist! This Baked Ziti with Eggplant Delight transforms a traditional pasta dish into a nutritious, family-friendly meal. Perfect for those picky eaters, this recipe offers a versatile blend, seamlessly incorporating eggplants and optionally artichokes or vibrant bell peppers. Melting mozzarella and creamy ricotta make it a truly indulgent and filling meal, while a hint of oregano and garlic elevate the flavors to an authentic Italian experience.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
eggplant
1 (washed and cut into 1 cm cubes)
ziti pasta or penne
500 g
ricotta cheese
500 g (divided)
mozzarella cheese
500 g (grated and divided)
parmigiano
1/3 cup (freshly grated)
tomatoes or pasta sauce
2 cups (your choice of sauce or crushed tomatoes)
garlic
3 cloves (minced)
olive oil
2 tablespoons
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
oregano
to taste
water
10 liters (for boiling pasta)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
2
In a large pot, bring 10 liters of water to a rolling boil.
3
Add salt to the water, followed by the pasta. Stir for thirty seconds to prevent sticking.
4
Cook the pasta for about eight minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
5
While the pasta is boiling, prepare the eggplant by tossing it with olive oil, minced garlic, and grated parmigiano in a large bowl. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano to your liking.
6
Fold in 2/3 of the grated mozzarella into the eggplant mixture.
7
Crumble small chunks of ricotta into the bowl with the eggplant and gently fold to combine; do this lightly to avoid spreading the ricotta too much.
8
Lightly oil a 23 cm (9 in) square baking pan.
9
Once the pasta has cooled enough to handle, add it to the eggplant mixture and toss gently.
10
Spread the combined eggplant and pasta mixture evenly in the prepared baking pan.
11
Pour the tomato sauce or your selected pasta sauce evenly over the top. Tap the pan gently on the counter to settle the mixture and remove air bubbles.
12
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
13
Create a loose tent with tin foil to cover the pan, ensuring the foil does not touch the food directly.
14
Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes.
15
Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheese to brown and bubble.
16
Let the dish rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to set the flavors.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Baked Ziti with Eggplant Delight?
It is a nutritious Italian pasta dish that adds a healthy twist to classic baked ziti by incorporating eggplant and optionally other vegetables like artichokes or bell peppers.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 190°C or 375°F.
How much water is needed to boil the pasta?
You should use 10 liters of water in a large pot to bring to a rolling boil.
How long should the pasta be cooked?
The pasta should be cooked for about eight minutes until it reaches an al dente texture.
What type of pasta can I use for this recipe?
You can use 500 grams of either ziti pasta or penne.
How should the eggplant be prepared?
The eggplant should be washed and cut into 1 cm cubes before being tossed with oil, garlic, and cheese.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes, you can optionally incorporate artichokes or vibrant bell peppers for a more versatile blend.
How much ricotta cheese is required?
The recipe calls for 500 grams of ricotta cheese, which should be crumbled into small chunks.
How much mozzarella cheese is needed in total?
A total of 500 grams of grated mozzarella cheese is required for this recipe.
How is the mozzarella cheese divided during the cooking process?
You fold 2/3 of the grated mozzarella into the eggplant mixture and save the remaining 1/3 to sprinkle on top before baking.
How much parmigiano is used?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of freshly grated parmigiano cheese.
How much garlic is included in the recipe?
Three cloves of garlic, minced, are used to flavor the eggplant mixture.
What type of oil is used?
Two tablespoons of olive oil are used to coat the eggplant and garlic.
What seasonings are added to the dish?
The dish is seasoned with salt, pepper, and oregano to your preference.
What size baking pan should be used?
A 23 cm or 9 inch square baking pan is recommended.
How should the baking pan be prepared?
The baking pan should be lightly oiled before adding the pasta and eggplant mixture.
How much pasta sauce is needed?
You will need 2 cups of your choice of pasta sauce or crushed tomatoes.
Why should I tap the pan on the counter before baking?
Tapping the pan gently helps to settle the mixture and remove any trapped air bubbles.
How should I cover the dish during the first stage of baking?
Create a loose tent with tin foil over the pan, making sure the foil does not touch the food directly.
How long does the dish bake while covered?
The ziti should bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes while covered.
How long does the dish bake uncovered?
After removing the foil, bake for an additional 10 minutes.
What is the purpose of baking the dish uncovered at the end?
Baking uncovered for the final 10 minutes allows the mozzarella cheese on top to brown and bubble.
How long should the dish rest before serving?
It is best to let the dish rest for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the flavors to set.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian and contains no meat products.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking while boiling?
Stir the pasta for thirty seconds immediately after adding it to the boiling water.
How should the ricotta cheese be incorporated?
Crumble small chunks of ricotta into the eggplant and fold gently; avoid over-mixing to prevent the ricotta from spreading too much.
What is the meal category for this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
Can I use crushed tomatoes instead of pre-made sauce?
Yes, you can use 2 cups of crushed tomatoes as an alternative to pasta sauce.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include italian, baked pasta, eggplant, vegetarian, one dish meal, comfort food, family friendly, and healthy twist.