Best Greek Ziti From Food And Wine Recipes

ZITI BAKED WITH SHRIMP AND FETA CHEESE - GREEK STYLE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400F. In a large saucepan set over moderate heat, heat oil until hot, and add the onion and cook it, stirring occasionally for 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 3 to 4 minutes more, or until the onion and garlic are golden in color. Now add the tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes and salt and pepper to taste and simmer the tomatoes for 6 to 8 minutes, or until lightly thickened. Add the basil and shrimp and cook, stirring gently, for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the shrimp are just turning pink. Place cooked pasta in a large bowl, gently stir in shrimp and tomato mixture, 2 tablespoons of the parsley and half of the feta cheese. Transfer to an oiled 3 quart shallow flameproof baking dish and sprinkle with the remaining feta cheese and parsley. Cover loosely with foil, place in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until bubbling. Run under the broiler until golden.

THE BEST BAKED ZITI

Steps:

• Cut down the length of each sausage with a sharp knife. Remove and discard casings.
• Heat olive oil in a large saucepan set over high heat. Add sausages and onion. Cook, stirring occasionally and breaking up with a spatula, until the sausage begins to brown, and the onion turns translucent, 5 to 7 minutes. Add oregano, thyme, and rosemary and cook for 1 minute more. Pour in marinara sauce. Pour 1 cup water into each jar to rinse out remaining sauce; add to the saucepan. Stir together and bring sauce to a simmer.
• Reduce the heat to medium-low, and let simmer, stirring occasionally, for 1 hour. Taste for seasoning and adjust if needed. Turn off heat and reserve until needed. Before using, skim any excess fat that rises to the surface.
• While sauce simmers, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook, stirring occasionally, for 1 or 2 minutes less than the directions on the package call for, about 8 minutes. Drain well and transfer into a large mixing bowl.
• Carefully add the meat sauce and stir until thoroughly combined. Let rest for 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a large 9x15-inch or 9x13-inch casserole dish with a drizzle of olive oil.
• Use a slotted spoon to transfer half of the pasta and sauce mixture to the prepared dish, then use a spatula to even out into a uniform layer. Top with 1/2 of the ricotta cheese, 1/2 of the mozzarella cheese, and then 1/2 of the grated Pecorino Romano cheese, being sure to distribute evenly. Top with the rest of the pasta and sauce mixture and give the pan a little shake to settle the sauce. Repeat the cheese application.
• Bake in the center of the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and the casserole is piping hot, 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Top with parsley.

GREEK ZITI FROM FOOD AND WINE

Steps:

• In a large frying pan, simmer the chicken broth and the oregano until 1/2 cup of liquid remains in the pan, about 4 minutes. Stir in the chicken cubes, cover the pan, and remove it from the heat. Let the chicken steam in the hot broth until just done, about 8 minutes. In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the ziti until just done, about 13 minutes. Drain the pasta and toss it with the chicken mixture, the feta, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and parsley. Stir until the cheese is completely melted. Toss in the cherry tomatoes. Suggested Pairing The acidity of the feta cheese and the lemon juice in this dish will work best with a light, fruity, just plain gulpable red wine. If you're feeling adventurous, try a Greek one such as Demestica.