Timballo with Radicchio, Sausage, and Scamorza – A Delicious Italian Pasta Bake
If you’re craving a comforting and flavorful Italian dish that combines the richness of sausage, the slight bitterness of radicchio, and the melt-in-your-mouth texture of scamorza, this Timballo with Radicchio, Sausage, and Scamorza is an excellent choice. It’s a hearty first course, perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. The unique combination of these ingredients results in a vibrant and savory dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.
Category: Primi Piatti (First Courses)
Serves: 6 people
Ingredients for Timballo with Radicchio, Sausage, and Scamorza
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sedanini Rigati (or any short pasta) | 320g |
| Sausage (preferably Italian) | 600g |
| Radicchio | 200g |
| Scamorza (or provola cheese) | 180g |
| Fresh Rosemary | To taste |
| Fennel Seeds | To taste |
| White Wine | 60g |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 70g (50g + 20g) |
| Fine Salt | To taste |
| Freshly Ground Black Pepper | To taste |
| Bread Crumbs | 40g |
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Timballo with Radicchio, Sausage, and Scamorza
1. Prepare the Sausage
Start by preparing the sausage. Begin by making a small incision in the casing of the sausage. Gently remove the casing and break up the sausage meat using your hands, ensuring it’s well crumbled for even cooking. This step is essential for allowing the sausage to blend with the other flavors in the dish.
2. Prepare the Aromatics
Wash and dry the rosemary thoroughly. Remove the leaves from the stem, discarding the stem. Combine the rosemary leaves with fennel seeds and finely chop everything together. This aromatic mixture will infuse the dish with a wonderful fragrance and flavor. Set it aside for now.
3. Prepare the Radicchio and Scamorza
Take the radicchio and remove any tough, white sections that can be bitter. Slice the radicchio into smaller pieces, but avoid cutting them too finely as they will shrink during cooking. Similarly, cut the scamorza cheese into small cubes, ensuring that they melt well when mixed with the hot pasta.
4. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it according to the instructions on the package, but be sure to keep it slightly undercooked (al dente) as it will continue to cook in the oven later. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Keep a small amount of pasta cooking water for later.
5. Cook the Sausage with Aromatics
In a large, non-stick skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil (about 50g) over medium heat. Add a whole garlic clove and let it sizzle in the oil until golden, then remove it from the pan. Add the crumbled sausage to the pan and cook it until it starts to brown, breaking it up further with a spoon. Add the prepared rosemary and fennel seed mixture to the sausage, stirring to incorporate. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour in the white wine, allowing it to reduce and cook off, about 5 minutes. If the mixture becomes too dry, add a little pasta water.
6. Add the Radicchio
Once the sausage has cooked and absorbed the aromatic flavors, add the chopped radicchio to the pan. Stir it into the sausage, allowing the radicchio to wilt and soften slightly in the heat. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes until the radicchio has reduced, but still retains its vibrant color.
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained pasta to the pan with the sausage and radicchio mixture. Toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring that the pasta is well-coated with the flavorful sauce. Allow everything to cook together for a couple of minutes. At this point, if needed, add a bit more pasta water to help combine the sauce with the pasta.
8. Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Take a 22cm round cake tin or a springform pan, ideally about 10cm deep, and grease it generously with olive oil using a pastry brush. This will help ensure the timballo comes out easily after baking.
9. Assemble the Timballo
Transfer the pasta and sausage mixture into the greased baking dish. Press it down gently to ensure the pasta is compact and well-arranged. Sprinkle the bread crumbs evenly over the top to give a lovely golden and crispy finish once baked.
10. Bake the Timballo
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes if using a static oven (or about 10 minutes in a fan-assisted oven). The top should be golden and slightly crispy. Keep an eye on the timballo as it bakes to prevent over-browning.
11. Serve
Once the timballo is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. This will make it easier to remove from the pan without falling apart. Use a butter knife to gently loosen the edges, then carefully invert it onto a large plate.
Let the timballo rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. The result should be a beautiful, fragrant, and hearty dish that combines tender sausage, creamy scamorza, slightly bitter radicchio, and al dente pasta.
Tips and Variations for Timballo with Radicchio, Sausage, and Scamorza
- Cheese Options: If scamorza isn’t available, you can substitute it with other types of Italian cheese such as provolone or mozzarella for a gooey, melted texture.
- Add More Vegetables: For extra flavor and color, consider adding a handful of mushrooms or even spinach to the mix.
- Make It Spicy: If you enjoy a little heat, add some chili flakes to the sausage mixture while cooking for a spicy kick.
- Use a Larger Dish: If you don’t have a 22cm round cake tin, you can use a similar-sized baking dish or even a casserole dish to create the same layered effect.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be assembled a few hours before baking, making it a great option for dinner parties. Just cover it and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
Conclusion
Timballo al Radicchio, Salsiccia e Scamorza is a wonderfully comforting Italian dish that combines savory sausage, creamy cheese, and the slightly bitter bite of radicchio. The layers of pasta and the crispy, golden top make it a satisfying main course that everyone will love. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress with its deep flavors and irresistible aroma. Enjoy!
