Oven-baked spiral delight

Oven-baked spiral delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

When we think of savory and comforting dishes, the deliciousness of baked spiralizes is one that brings a smile to our lips. This recipe pairs pasta with fresh vegetables, savory meat and a creamy sauce, all topped with a golden crust that will keep you coming back for more.

A short story

The origins of dishes that combine pasta with meat and vegetables are lost in the mists of time, and are a symbol of culinary comfort in many cultures. Whether it's a family meal or dinner with friends, this type of dish always brings a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Ingredients

- 200 g pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 200 g ham or kaizer, diced
- 500 ml crushed tomatoes or 250 g whole tomatoes
- 1 white onion, chopped
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 1 capia pepper, julienned
- A few olives (optional)
- ½ finely grated carrot
- 2 handfuls grated cheese (telemea or feta)
- 4 hands grated cheese (or mozzarella for a softer texture)
- 2 heaped tablespoons cream or full-fat yogurt
- 2 large eggs
- Parsley, oregano, basil (fresh or dried)
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon curry
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- Freshly ground pepper
- Salt
- ⅓ teaspoon ground juniper

Preparation step by step

1. Boiling the pasta
Start by putting 2 quarts of water in a large pot over the heat. Once the water reaches boiling point, add 2 teaspoons of salt, ⅓ teaspoon of ground juniper, a little coriander, bay leaves and, of course, the pasta. Stir constantly to prevent sticking. Let them simmer al dente for about 8 minutes, tasting them to make sure they are cooked perfectly.

2. Preparing the vegetables and meat
In a large pan, add a little oil and sauté the crushed garlic for a few seconds. Next, add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns glassy. Continue with the diced ham or diced kaizer, letting them brown slightly. Add the olives, grated carrot and julienned peppers, letting the ingredients combine and soften.

3. Adding the tomatoes and spices
Next, add the pureed tomatoes (or whole tomatoes, which you can chop ahead of time) and ½ cup of the water in which the pasta was cooked. Mix everything well and stir in some of the greens, 1 teaspoon of the dry spice mix (sundried tomatoes, basil, pepper, garlic, paprika, parsley) and the remaining paprika, curry powder and turmeric. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes.

4. Combining the pasta with the sauce
When the pasta is ready, drain and add to the pan, stirring to combine well with the sauce for 2 minutes. This is when the flavors come together and become a unified whole.

5. Assembling the dish
In a baking dish, place half of the pasta, sprinkle the remaining greens, 1 teaspoon of seasoning and a handful of cheese. Then add the remaining pasta, greens, spices and cheese.

6. Preparing the egg mixture
In a bowl, whisk the eggs together with the cream or full-fat yogurt, then pour this mixture evenly over the pasta.

7. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Put the dish in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, just long enough to brown the top, but do not let the mixture dry completely.

Serving suggestions

The delicious baked spiralizes can be served plain or with a fresh green salad, which will add a touch of freshness. A glass of white wine or refreshing lemonade would also complement the meal perfectly.

Interesting variations

If you feel like experimenting, you could substitute chicken or turkey for the ham or kaizer, or add mushrooms for extra texture. Also, for a vegetarian variation, you can omit the meat and add more vegetables such as zucchini or aubergines.

FAQs

Can I use wholegrain pasta?
Yes, wholegrain pasta is a great choice for a healthier option.

How can I make it lighter?
You can reduce the amount of cheese or sour cream and use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter sauce.

Does it work the next day?
Absolutely! It can be reheated very well and the taste becomes even more intense.

Nutritional benefits

This recipe is a good source of protein from the meat and cheese, as well as fiber and vitamins from the added vegetables. It is a balanced meal that can be enjoyed without adding excessive calories, if you are careful with the proportions.

Calories

One portion of delicious baked spiralized spiralizes an estimated 400-500 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Tips for a perfect result

- Experiment with different cheeses to find the combination you like best.
- Make sure the pasta stays al dente, as it will cook in the oven for longer.
- Use fresh herbs for a more vibrant taste and irresistible flavor.

Now that you have all the information you need, all that's left to do is get cooking! For sure, the delicious baked spirals will quickly become one of your favorite dishes, bringing not only flavor but also joyful moments with your loved ones. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: Wonderful and tasty 200g penne or fusilli 1 piece of ham or kaiser, 200g 500ml crushed tomatoes or 250g whole 1 white onion 1 red onion 1 head of garlic 1 bell pepper A few olives if you have them in the fridge 1/2 finely grated carrot 2 handfuls of finely grated cheese 4 handfuls of large grated cheese 2 full tablespoons of sour cream or full-fat yogurt 2 large eggs Parsley, oregano, basil 1 tsp sweet paprika 1 tsp curry 1/2 tsp turmeric Freshly ground pepper Salt 1/3 tsp ground allspice