Baked Pasta with Guangxi Flavors

Ingredients

In this Guangxi-inspired adaptation, we infuse the tomato sauce with traditional Guangxi spices, such as star anise, dried tangerine peel, and Sichuan peppercorns. These spices add a unique depth of flavor and a subtle hint of spiciness to the dish. Additionally, we incorporate local Guangxi ingredients, such as minced pork or beef, to enhance the meaty richness of the sauce. The cheese used in this recipe is also adjusted to suit Guangxi cuisine, opting for a mild and creamy variety commonly found in the region. We alse have the original recipe for Imqarrun il-forn, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) pasta sheets 500g (1.1 lb) pasta sheets
• 500g (1.1 lb) minced pork or beef 500g (1.1 lb) minced pork or beef
• 2 cups (470ml) tomato sauce 2 cups (470ml) tomato sauce
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons Guangxi spice blend (star anise, dried tangerine peel, Sichuan peppercorns) 2 tablespoons Guangxi spice blend (star anise, dried tangerine peel, Sichuan peppercorns)
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken or vegetable broth 1 cup (240ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 200g (7 oz) mild and creamy cheese, grated 200g (7 oz) mild and creamy cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 550 kcal / 2300 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 50g, 8g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Cook the pasta sheets according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. 3.
   In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the minced pork or beef and cook until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. 4.
   In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
5. 5.
   Add the tomato sauce, Guangxi spice blend, and broth to the skillet. Simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Stir in the cooked meat and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   In a baking dish, layer the cooked pasta sheets and the meat sauce, repeating until all the ingredients are used. Ensure the top layer is pasta.
8. 8.
   Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the top layer.
9. 9.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pasta sheets — Ensure the pasta sheets are cooked al dente to prevent them from becoming too soft during baking.
• Guangxi spice blend — If you can't find a pre-made blend, you can create your own by combining equal parts ground star anise, dried tangerine peel, and Sichuan peppercorns.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Guangxi white cheese or a combination of mild and sharp cheeses, to customize the flavor profile.
• To make the dish more colorful, add some sautéed vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to the meat sauce.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day for an equally delicious meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Guangxi-inspired baked pasta hot, straight from the oven. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, for a pop of color and added freshness. Accompany the dish with a side salad or crusty bread to complete the meal.

Presentation advice

To present the dish beautifully, use an oven-safe baking dish that can be brought straight to the table. Sprinkle some extra grated cheese and a pinch of Guangxi spice blend on top for an enticing visual appeal. Serve the pasta in individual portions, allowing the layers to be visible.