Anelletti al Forno (Sicilian Baked Pasta)
Category: First Courses
Servings: 6
Anelletti al forno is a beloved traditional Sicilian baked pasta dish that brings together the rich flavors of beef, pork, peas, and aromatic cheeses. This comforting and hearty dish is a perfect choice for a family gathering or a special occasion. The combination of tender pasta, a flavorful meat sauce, and gooey cheese baked to perfection makes this dish irresistible.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Anelletti pasta (Sicilian rings) | 350g |
| Beef (ground) | 200g |
| Pork (ground) | 200g |
| Tomato paste (concentrated) | 150g |
| Frozen peas | 200g |
| Primosale cheese (cubed) | 100g |
| Red wine | 125g |
| Caciocavallo cheese (grated) | 80g |
| Breadcrumbs | 40g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 40g |
| Salt (to taste) | q.b. |
| Black pepper (to taste) | q.b. |
| Red Tropea onions (finely chopped) | 80g |
| Extra virgin olive oil (for greasing) | q.b. |
| Breadcrumbs (for coating) | q.b. |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Meat Sauce
Start by peeling and finely chopping the red Tropea onions. Heat a large pan over medium heat and add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant. -
Brown the Meat
Add the ground beef to the pan first. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, allowing it to brown evenly for about 5 minutes. Then, add the ground pork and continue to sauté for another 5 minutes until both meats are well-cooked and browned. -
Deglaze with Red Wine
Once the meat is browned, pour in the red wine, stirring to deglaze the pan. Allow the wine to cook off for about 2-3 minutes, letting the meat absorb the flavors of the wine. -
Add Tomato Paste and Simmer
Stir in the tomato paste and mix thoroughly. Add a small amount of water to help dissolve the paste and create a smoother sauce. Bring to a simmer, then lower the heat and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the sauce to reduce and become more concentrated in flavor. -
Add the Peas
After 30 minutes, add the frozen peas (you can also use fresh peas if preferred). Stir well, and let the mixture cook for an additional 20 minutes. Add more water if the sauce becomes too thick. Keep stirring occasionally, ensuring that the peas cook evenly and the sauce thickens to your liking. -
Boil the Pasta
While the sauce is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add the anelletti pasta and cook for 2-3 minutes less than the package instructions suggest, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain the pasta and set aside. -
Prepare the Baking Dish
Lightly grease a 30×20 cm (12×8 inch) baking dish with extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs along the bottom and sides of the dish to prevent sticking and add a nice crunch to the exterior of the dish. -
Prepare the Cheeses
Grate the caciocavallo cheese and cut the primosale cheese into small cubes. Set them aside for assembling the dish. -
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Once the meat sauce has thickened and the peas are cooked through, check the seasoning. If necessary, add a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper. Add the cooked anelletti pasta to the sauce and mix well. Incorporate the cubed primosale cheese into the pasta mixture, ensuring that the cheese melts and combines well with the sauce. -
Assemble the Dish
Pour the pasta and meat sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spoon to spread it evenly, leveling the surface. Sprinkle the grated caciocavallo cheese on top, followed by a light dusting of breadcrumbs to create a crispy topping. -
Bake
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) in static mode. Place the baking dish in the center of the oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy. -
Let it Rest
After baking, let the anelletti al forno rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the dish set and ensures it holds its shape when served.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 30g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 52g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 6g |
| Sodium | 650mg |
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the anelletti al forno as a hearty first course at dinner. It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette and a glass of Sicilian red wine. This dish also makes for an excellent leftovers meal, as the flavors continue to develop and improve the next day.
Anelletti al forno is a perfect example of Italian comfort food, bringing together the rustic flavors of Sicily in one warm, cheesy, and savory dish. Enjoy this traditional Italian recipe with your family and friends, and savor every bite!
