Baked Ziti is a classic American pasta dish, that is essentially like a big baked bolognese. Perfect, easy to make comfort food for a chilly Autumn. Traditionally it has meat in it, but has the kind of sauce, that so long as you stick to the tomato base, and slather it with cheese, you can throw in, or not throw in, whatever you fancy. In this recipe, delicious cannellini beans, a personal favourite, and mushrooms take the place of meat.
Even if you don't follow a strict vegetarian diet, it is good to not eat meat every day. Indeed, according to the World cancer Research Fund, cutting down your intake of red or processed meats by just a few days a week significantly reduces the risk of cancer, not to mention the positive environmental implications as explored by the guys behind Meat Free Mondays. Even without the meat, this dish is so hearty that you don't miss it, so it is totally worth trying it out.
if you can't find ziti, any pasta, particularly penne or maccorni will do just as well.
Ingredients
175g uncooked ziti, penne or other pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
2 onions, chopped
1-2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 large carrot, finely chopped
2 cans of tomatoes
A handful of mushrooms, sliced
1½ tsp dried oregano
425g can cannellini beans
175g low fat ricotta cheese or 225g (8 oz) soft tofu
3 oz. reduced-fat mozzarella cheese, shredded
3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Method
Preheat the oven to 190°C/375°F/Gas 5.
Cook the pasta according to package directions; drain well. Lightly coat a baking dish with oil or non-stick cooking spray; set aside. Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic and carrot; sauté 10 minutes, stirring often.
Stir in the tomatoes with juice, breaking them up with a spoon. Add the mushrooms and oregano. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer 10 minutes.
Stir in the beans and heat through. Remove the pan from the heat. Add the drained pasta, shredded cheese; crumble in ricotta and toss gently.
Spoon the mixture into a prepared baking dish and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
Serve with green salad.
Image (ironically) via The Way to a Man's Heart.