Can you add vegetables to baked ziti?

Answer 1

First you're going to know what ingredients you'll need to buy. The first decision you need to make is whether or not you're going to make your own sauce. I'm Italian so, for me, there is no other way to go. For a simple sauce this is what you'll need:

-2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

-1 pound sweet and or spicy Italian sausages, casing removed and crumbled

-1/4 medium onion, diced (about 3 tablespoons, optional)

-3 cloves garlic, chopped

-3 1/2 cups whole, peeled, canned tomatoes in puree, (one 28-ounce can), roughly chopped

-Sprig fresh thyme

-Sprig fresh basil

-2 teaspoons kosher salt

-Freshly ground black pepper

-And any other seasonings you like. Add to taste.

The remaining ingredients you'll need are as follows:

-1 pound dried ziti pasta

-Kosher salt

-Roughly 1 pound fresh mozzarella, half cut into 1/2-inch cubes and half thinly sliced (I tend to use a little more)

-3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan, divided

-1/2 cup freshly grated Romano, divided

-1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

-Pinch red pepper flakes

First you need to make the sauce. Begin by heating the oil over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook until it begins to brown. You don't want it completed browned at this point. Add the onions and garlic and cook about 3 minutes, stirring until slightly browned. Add the tomatoes, herb sprigs and spices and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer about 10 minutes. As always, make sure it passes the taste test.

Now, preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Now we cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, adding salt and a small amount of olive oil. Cook until al dente and drain. Mix the pasta, sauce, cubed mozzarella and half of the parmesan/romano and pepper together well. Oil a 9x13 baking dish(I strongly suggest pyrex). Add the pasta mixture to the baking dish and even out with a plastic spatula. Now cover the top of the pasta with the mozzarella slices and remaining grated cheese. Bake about 25-30 minutes until brown, hot and DELICIOUS!

Now all that's left to do is enjoy the meal! I love to serve my baked ziti with a nice wine and sourdough bread. If you plan to eat leftovers in the next day to two(it's just as good, if not better the next day), refrigerate in a sealed container. Or you can always freeze it!

Answer 2

Yes, you can pretty much add vegetables to anything for a flavor and nutritious boost. in baked ziti it is espescially good, if you use the right vegetables to suit your taste.