Discover the exquisite flavors of Sicilian Baked Anelletti, a traditional dish renowned for its rich taste and comforting texture. This summer version brings a lighter and fresher twist, making it the perfect choice for hot days. The classic tomato sauce blends harmoniously with the sweetness of fried eggplant and the creaminess of buffalo mozzarella, while the béchamel sauce adds an irresistibly soft touch. Delicately flavored cooked ham and hard-boiled eggs create a perfect balance of flavors that will delight everyone’s palate.
Ingredients (Serves approximately 6)
- 400g Sicilian anelletti pasta
- 400g seasoned and cooked tomato sauce (to taste)
- 200ml béchamel sauce
- 1 medium/large fried eggplant
- 70/80g cooked ham
- 400/500g buffalo mozzarella
- 2 hard-boiled eggs
- 2/3 tablespoons of Grana cheese
- Breadcrumbs and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) as needed
Preparation
- Cooking the Pasta: Start by cooking the Sicilian anelletti in plenty of salted water. Drain them al dente, about 2-3 minutes before the cooking time indicated on the package.
- Preparing the Base: Mix the anelletti with the seasoned and cooked tomato sauce to your taste, also adding the béchamel sauce. This will make the dish creamy and well blended.
- Layering: In a baking dish greased with EVOO and sprinkled with breadcrumbs, pour a layer of the seasoned anelletti. Add slices of fried eggplant, chopped cooked ham, diced buffalo mozzarella, and sliced hard-boiled eggs.
- Second Layer: Repeat the layering with the remaining ingredients, finishing with a final layer of anelletti.
- Finishing Touch: Sprinkle the top with grated Grana cheese, more breadcrumbs, and a drizzle of EVOO. This will create a golden, crispy crust during baking.
- Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F) and bake for about 25-30 minutes, until the surface is golden and crispy.
- Serving: Let it cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to meld together perfectly.
For a complete tutorial on this recipe, check out the YouTube channel of 55winston55, the creator of the video recipe.
Enjoy your delicious and summery Sicilian baked anelletti!
