Baked Ziti with a New Jersey Twist

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Baked Ziti is enhanced with the flavors and ingredients specific to the cuisine of New Jersey. The use of locally grown Jersey tomatoes adds a sweet and tangy taste to the tomato sauce, while the addition of a hint of spice reflects the state's love for bold flavors. Furthermore, the generous use of mozzarella and ricotta cheese pays homage to the Italian-American influence in New Jersey's culinary traditions. We alse have the original recipe for Baked Ziti, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1 lb) ziti pasta 500g (1 lb) ziti pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 800g (28 oz) canned crushed tomatoes 800g (28 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
• 500g (1 lb) fresh Jersey tomatoes, diced 500g (1 lb) fresh Jersey tomatoes, diced
• 1 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 250g (9 oz) mozzarella cheese, shredded 250g (9 oz) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 250g (9 oz) ricotta cheese 250g (9 oz) ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 cup breadcrumbs 1 cup breadcrumbs

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 10g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. 3.
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
4. 4.
   Add the crushed tomatoes, diced Jersey tomatoes, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, tomato sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, and parsley. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
6. 6.
   Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and sprinkle breadcrumbs on top.
7. 7.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Jersey tomatoes — Use ripe and juicy Jersey tomatoes for the best flavor. If they are not available, you can substitute with other sweet and flavorful tomatoes.
• Ricotta cheese — Opt for a high-quality ricotta cheese to ensure a creamy and smooth texture in the dish.
• Breadcrumbs — For a crunchy topping, use homemade breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs instead of store-bought ones.

Tips & Tricks

• To add a smoky flavor, you can mix in some crumbled cooked bacon or pancetta into the tomato sauce.
• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• To make it a heartier meal, you can add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the tomato sauce.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• Serve the Baked Ziti with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Jersey-Style Baked Ziti hot, straight from the oven. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.

Presentation advice

To make the dish visually appealing, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top of the baked ziti before serving. Serve it in individual oven-safe dishes for an elegant presentation.