Conference turris::cooks

1992.0. "ZITI with Sausage" by LEDS::TBROWN () Tue Sep 12 1989 17:05

    This recipe comes from Gourmet magazine - it's layered a little like 
    lazagna and I've always received compliments when serving it for family 
    or friends. 
    
      1 lb sweet Italian sausage
      1 lb ricotta cheese
      1 large egg
      1/4 c minced fresh parsley
    * 6 cups winter tomato sauce - my mother cut this recipe out for me and
                                   neglected to cut the part out for the
                                   sauce, so I wing it using a combination
                                   of tomato sauce and puree with plenty of
                                   Italian seasonings and garlic.  No meat!
     
      1 lb ziti - cooked according to the package instructions, drained,
                  and refreshed under cold water
      1 pound mozzarella, grated
      1 1/2 c freshly grated Parmesan
    
      *  -  *  -  *  -  *  -  *  -  *  -  *  -  *  -  *  -  *  -  *  -  * 
    
      In a lightly oiled backing pan bake the sausages in a preheated 400
    degree oven, turning them and discarding the fat, for 30 minutes, or
    until they are browned.  (I just do this part in a frying pan on the
    stove).  Transfer the sausages to a cutting board, let them cool for
    15 minutes, and cut them into 1/8" slices.  In a bowl combine the
    ricotta, the egg, and the parsley.
      
      Coat the bottom of a baking pan, 15 x 10 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches, with 2
    cups of the tomato sauce, on the sauce, layer half the ziti, half the
    ricotta mixture, half the sausages, half the mozzarella, and half the
    Parmesan, and cover the mixture with 2 more cups of the sauce.  Layer
    the remaining ziti, ricotta, sausage, and mozzarella, cover the mixture
    with the remaining sauce, and sprinkle it with the remaining 3/4 cup
    Parmesan.  (The mixture can be prepared up to 8 hours ahead and kept
    covered and chilled.)  Bake the mixture in a preheated 325 degree 
    oven for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until it is bubbling.
    Serves 8.
    
      Enjoy,
         
        Tracey

I'm an Italian food Fetishist, and this sounds really nice, but tell 
me, WHAT IS ZITI? I've never heard of it.

Thanks,
Sheridan
:^)

    Ziti is macaroni cylinders.  They are usually about 2-3" long and maybe
    3/4" in diameter, or less.  Some brands have lengthwise ridges, while
    others are sort of just straight, big elbow macaronis.  The ridged
    kinds sop up sauce a bit better.
    
    /Charlotte