A trace of cinnamon complements the tomato sauce in an almost imperceptible way, deepening the flavor without overpowering it. Chunky with vegetables, this casserole is a good choice for supper with friends. It's economical and requires no last-minute fussing.
Mediterranean Pasta Torte
- Prep Time 30 min
- Total 1 hr 25 min
- Ingredients 14
- Servings 6
Ingredients
- 12 oz. (3 cups) uncooked ziti (long tubular pasta)
- 2 1/2 cups cubed (1/2-inch) peeled eggplant (8 oz.)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 (15-oz.) can chunky tomato sauce with onions, celery and green bell peppers, undrained
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves, crushed
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons unseasoned dry bread crumbs
- 2 teaspoons margarine or butter, melted
Instructions
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Step1Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 12x8-inch (2-quart) baking dish and 14x12-inch sheet of foil with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
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Step2In Dutch oven or large saucepan, cook ziti to desired doneness as directed on package. Drain; return to Dutch oven. Cover to keep warm.
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Step3Meanwhile, in medium saucepan, combine eggplant, onion, tomato sauce, cinnamon and oregano; mix well. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 10 to 15 minutes or until onion and eggplant are crisp-tender, stirring frequently.
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Step4In another medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of the milk, flour, salt and pepper; mix with wire whisk until smooth. Stir in remaining 1 1/2 cups milk. Cook over medium heat until mixture boils and thickens, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute. Remove from heat.
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Step5In medium bowl, beat eggs; gradually add half of the hot milk mixture to beaten eggs, stirring constantly. Stir egg mixture back into mixture in saucepan. Add cheese; mix well. Add to cooked ziti; toss gently to coat evenly.
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Step6Place half of ziti mixture in sprayed dish. Spoon tomato sauce over ziti. Top with remaining ziti mixture. Cover tightly with sprayed foil.
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Step7Bake at 350°F. for 35 to 45 minutes or until casserole is bubbly. In small bowl, combine bread crumbs and melted margarine; mix well. Sprinkle over top; bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
390
Calories
9g
Total Fat
17g
Protein
61g
Total Carbohydrate
11g
Sugars
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories
- 390
- Calories from Fat
- 80
- Total Fat
- 9g
- 14%
- Saturated Fat
- 4g
- 20%
- Cholesterol
- 85mg
- 28%
- Sodium
- 740mg
- 31%
- Total Carbohydrate
- 61g
- 20%
- Dietary Fiber
- 4g
- 16%
- Sugars
- 11g
- Protein
- 17g
% Daily Value*:
- Vitamin A
- 20%
- 20%
- Vitamin C
- 15%
- 15%
- Calcium
- 25%
- 25%
- Iron
- 20%
- 20%
Exchanges:
3 1/2 Starch; 3 1/2 Other Carbohydrate; 2 Vegetable; 1 1/2 Fat;
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