Baked Zucchini Pasta

 Ingredients: paste (depending on the amount you want to prepare, I used 200 g) 100 g fresh mushrooms or whatever you have at home 1-2 zucchini 1 red onion 1 tomato bacon or smoked chicken garlic parsley salt pepper paprika thyme 50 ml sour cream 2 eggs

To prepare a delicious mushroom stew with pasta and zucchini, we start by finely chopping the onion. We sauté it in a pan with a little oil over medium heat until it becomes translucent and releases its aroma. Meanwhile, we wash the mushrooms well, clean them, and cut them into smaller pieces, making sure to keep uniform sizes for even cooking. Then, we peel the tomato and cut it into small cubes. Once the onion has sautéed enough, we add the mushrooms and tomato to the pan, seasoning with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. We let the mixture simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms soften and the juice released by them and the tomato reduces. It is important not to add water, as the mushrooms will release enough moisture, but if necessary, we can add a little water to prevent sticking.

In another pot, we cut the bacon or smoked chicken breast into cubes and sauté it in a little oil until it becomes crispy. Although the original recipe is vegetarian, in our family, the preference for meat is strong, which is why the bacon adds extra flavor. Once the mushroom stew is ready, we combine it with the sautéed bacon and let all the flavors meld together.

Meanwhile, we peel 1-2 zucchinis and cut them into cubes. In a pot, we crush the garlic with a little oil and add the zucchini, covering the pot with a lid. We let it cook on low heat until the zucchini becomes soft but not overcooked. In parallel, we boil the pasta in a pot with salted water and 1 tablespoon of oil, following the cooking time indicated on the package to achieve an al dente consistency.

In a separate bowl, we mix the sour cream with the two beaten eggs and finely chopped parsley, creating a creamy mixture. In a previously greased baking dish with a little butter or oil, we place a layer of pasta (from the three portions), followed by the mushroom stew, another layer of pasta, the zucchini cubes, and finally, the remaining pasta. We pour the sour cream mixture on top, ensuring we cover the entire dish evenly.

We place the dish in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius and let it bake for 20-25 minutes until the surface becomes golden and appetizing. Finally, we take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This recipe is perfect for a family meal, combining the rich flavors of mushrooms with the creaminess of the sour cream and the textures of the pasta. Enjoy your meal!

 Tags:  eggs onion greenery chicken meat garlic tomatoes sour cream zucchini mushrooms