Friday, February 26, 2010

Homemade Turkey Baked Ziti



The "Snow-i-cane" of 2010 seems to be coming to an end and once again the weathermen of New York have failed to impress.   I made the strong attempt of walking home from work this evening, attempting to avoid every slush puddle that Manhattan seems to endure on nights like this.   As most would agree there are two main challenges one has to deal with tonight; 1) Staying dry from knee down on your stroll home, 2) As this is Friday evening in the city, what to do for dinner?  

So as most Friday nights have come to be a trek to the supermarket is where I be.  Comfort food is the meal of choice.  Homemade Baked Ziti is where we shall rejoice!


Homemade Turkey Baked Ziti


Ingredients
  • 1 lb of 93% ground turkey
  • 1 28 oz can of crushed tomatoes
  • 2 garlic cloves chopped
  • 1 medium sweet onion chopped
  • 1 lb of whole wheat ziti
  • 1/4 cup of tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup of water
  • 1 package of part skim ricotta
  • 1 package of shredded mozzarella
  • 1/4 cup of grated parmigiana cheese
  • 1 egg - beaten
  • Pinch of dried basil, red pepper flakes, dried sage
  • Handful of chopped Italian parsley
  • 2 tablespoons of EVOO
Preparation

Heat oil over medium heat.  Add garlic and onion and cook until translucent. About 10 minutes.  Add turkey meat and cook until done.  Add Salt & Pepper to season.  Add tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, water and red pepper flakes, Basil & Sage.  Bring to a boil and then simmer to reduce. Cooke for 10 minutes.  



In a separate bowl combine egg, parsley, ricotta, and 3/4 package of mozzarella.  Mix well to combine.  

In a large pot bring salted water to a boil.  Add pasta and cook for 10-12 minutes or desired texture.  Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

In a deep baking dish (preferably a half lasagna pan) layer sauce than cheese than pasta. 














Repeat twice and top final layer with shredded mozzarella and parmigiana cheese.  Cover and bake for 40 minutes.
















Serve and Enjoy!



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