Small-size Macaroni with Rikotta

Small-size Macaroni with Rikotta Recipe - Vegetarian Food from Malta

Region / culture: Malta | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Small-size Macaroni with Ricotta is a delicious and creamy pasta dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe combines tender macaroni with rich ricotta cheese, tangy tomatoes, and savory Parmesan cheese for a comforting and satisfying meal.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional Italian pasta dishes that use ricotta cheese as a creamy and flavorful base. Ricotta cheese has been used in Italian cuisine for centuries, adding a creamy texture and mild flavor to dishes like lasagna, ravioli, and cannelloni.

Ingredients

600 g macaroni
chopped parsley
1 tin chopped tomatoes
parmesan cheese
400 g ricotta
salt and pepper
50 g butter
3 eggs

How to prepare

Boil the macaroni in salted water.
Once cooked, drain the macaroni and transfer it to a pan.
Add butter to the macaroni and cook it on very low heat for a few minutes.
In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta, beaten eggs, chopped parsley, and seasoning.
Mix the ricotta mixture with the macaroni, then top it with the chopped tomatoes and cover it with cheese.
Continue cooking the dish under a slow grill until it turns golden, which should take about 10 minutes.

Variations

Add cooked bacon or pancetta for a smoky flavor.
Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, for a unique twist.
Stir in some pesto or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the macaroni until it is al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.

- Use high-quality ricotta cheese for the best flavor and texture.

- Feel free to add in additional vegetables or protein, such as spinach, mushrooms, or cooked chicken, to make this dish even heartier.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Small-size Macaroni with Ricotta with a side salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the macaroni until al dente.

- Combine the ricotta mixture with the macaroni and bake until golden and bubbly.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of pasta in place of macaroni.

- Substitute cottage cheese for ricotta if needed.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be assembled ahead of time and baked when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Small-size Macaroni with Ricotta in individual ramekins for a stylish presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a light and crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Small-size Macaroni with Ricotta contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Small-size Macaroni with Ricotta contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Small-size Macaroni with Ricotta contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Small-size Macaroni with Ricotta contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, butter) and eggs.

Summary

Small-size Macaroni with Ricotta is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Small-size Macaroni with Ricotta is a comforting and creamy pasta dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With a rich and flavorful combination of macaroni, ricotta cheese, tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with excitement. It was a crisp autumn day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. Maria was an Italian immigrant who had a wealth of knowledge when it came to cooking traditional Italian dishes. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted with the delicious aroma of garlic and tomatoes simmering on the stove.

Maria was busy at work, rolling out dough for homemade pasta. As I watched her expert hands move with grace and precision, I couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. I had always struggled with making pasta from scratch, but Maria made it look effortless.

"Come, sit down and watch me work," Maria said with a warm smile. "I have a new recipe to share with you today."

I eagerly sat down at the kitchen table, my eyes fixed on Maria as she began to assemble the ingredients for the dish. Small-size macaroni, ricotta cheese, fresh basil, garlic, and tomatoes were all laid out in front of her. As she worked, she explained each step of the process to me in detail.

"I learned this recipe from my Nonna back in Italy," Maria said fondly. "It's a simple dish, but it's one of my favorites. The key is to use high-quality ingredients and to let the flavors meld together slowly."

As she cooked, Maria shared stories of her childhood in Italy, of the long summer days spent in the fields picking tomatoes and the cozy winter nights huddled around the kitchen table with her family. Her words painted a vivid picture of a life filled with love, laughter, and delicious food.

After a few hours of cooking and chatting, the dish was finally ready. Maria served up steaming bowls of small-size macaroni with ricotta, topped with a generous sprinkle of fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil. The first bite was like a taste of heaven – creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor.

I couldn't believe how simple yet satisfying the dish was. The ricotta added a creamy richness to the pasta, while the tomatoes lent a sweet acidity that balanced out the flavors perfectly. Each bite was a symphony of tastes and textures that danced on my tongue.

As I savored the last bite of my meal, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen. I thanked Maria profusely for sharing her culinary wisdom with me and vowed to pass on the recipe to future generations.

In the years that followed, I made small-size macaroni with ricotta for my own family countless times. Each time I cooked the dish, I could feel Maria's presence in the kitchen, guiding me with her gentle hand and soothing voice. The recipe became a link to the past, a way to honor the traditions and memories of those who came before me.

As I sit here now, reflecting on that fateful day in Maria's kitchen, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of her friendship and her culinary expertise. The recipe for small-size macaroni with ricotta will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of good food to bring people together and create lasting memories. And for that, I am truly grateful.