Ingredients with Measurements:
-1 pound ziti pasta
-1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
-1 red bell pepper, diced
-1 green bell pepper, diced
-1 onion, diced
-3 cloves garlic, minced
-1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
-1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
-1 teaspoon dried oregano
-1 teaspoon dried basil
-1 teaspoon sugar
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-1/4 teaspoon pepper
-1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Special Equipment Needed:
-Large pot
-Large skillet
-9x13 baking dish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage until browned, about 5 minutes. Add the bell peppers, onion, and garlic and cook until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. In a 9x13 baking dish, combine the cooked ziti, sausage and vegetable mixture, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Stir to combine.
6. Bake for 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Temperature: 375 degrees F
Serving Size: 6-8
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 590
Fat: 24g
Carbohydrates: 61g
Protein: 28g
Substitutions for Ingredients
-Italian sausage can be substituted with ground beef or turkey
-Red and green bell peppers can be substituted with any other color bell pepper
-Tomato paste can be substituted with tomato sauce
-Parmesan cheese can be substituted with any other hard cheese
Variations:
-Add mushrooms to the sausage and pepper mixture
-Add spinach to the sausage and pepper mixture
-Add olives to the sausage and pepper mixture
-Substitute ziti with any other type of pasta
Tips and Tricks:
-For a creamier texture, add 1/2 cup of heavy cream to the sausage and pepper mixture
-For a spicier dish, add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sausage and pepper mixture
Storage Instructions:
Baked ziti with sausage and peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Baked ziti with sausage and peppers can be reheated in the oven at 350 degrees F for 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Presentation Ideas:
Baked ziti with sausage and peppers can be served with a side salad and garlic bread.
Garnishes:
-Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
-Freshly chopped parsley
-Freshly chopped basil
Pairings:
-Pinot Noir
-Chianti
-Sangiovese
Suggested Side Dishes:
-Garlic bread
-Green salad
-Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting Advice:
-If the dish is too dry, add a splash of chicken or vegetable broth
-If the dish is too wet, add a sprinkle of breadcrumbs
Food Safety Advice:
Always cook the sausage to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F before adding it to the dish.
Food History:
Baked ziti is a classic Italian dish that has been around for centuries. It is believed to have originated in the southern Italian region of Campania.
Flavor Profiles:
This dish is savory and slightly sweet, with a hint of garlic and herbs.
Serving Suggestions:
Baked ziti with sausage and peppers can be served as a main course or as a side dish.
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Region: Italian