Unveiling the Comfort of Baked Pasta: From Sichuan Lasagne to Simple Traybakes
Imagine stepping into your home to the inviting aroma of cheese and golden pasta, a scene made even more delightful by the prospect of a clean kitchen. Baked pasta, or pasta al forno, offers not just a hearty meal but also the perfect timing—about 25 minutes between assembly and serving—to tidy up or delegate tasks while preparing a salad and uncorking wine. This culinary tradition is a galaxy of flavors, with stars ranging from classic lasagne to innovative twists.
Classic and Creative Lasagne Variations
Ann and Franco Taruschio provide a brilliant recipe for a classic lasagne bolognese, featuring fresh pasta, a rich ragu, and parmesan-enriched bechamel. While ideal for fresh pasta, it adapts well to dried sheets; just blanch them briefly in boiling water and adjust the bechamel with extra milk for a smoother texture. For a tomato-rich version with dried pasta, Katie Stewart's recipe via Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall is a go-to. Alternatively, Tamal Ray's Sichuan-inspired lasagne stands out with pork mince, fermented bean ragu, bechamel, and chard, adding a spicy kick to the traditional dish.
Vegetarian Delights and Simplified Bakes
Not all lasagnes need meat. Meera Sodha's recipes, such as asparagus lasagne with pecorino or spinach, walnut, and tomato lasagne, are scene-stealers. Mushroom and taleggio create a luscious option, while courgette and three-cheese versions offer a spring-like twist. Thomasina Miers's swiss chard, leek, and ricotta lasagne includes pancetta but can easily be made vegetarian. For a simpler approach, swap pasta sheets for short pasta like macaroni or penne, cook it al dente, mix with your sauce, and bake until golden and bubbling.
Easy Traybakes and Macaroni Classics
Neapolitan-style pasta al forno with meatballs and mozzarella, or a version with peas and bechamel, offers tumble-style ease. Rukmini Iyer, the queen of traybakes, provides joy with baked gnocchi dishes like tomatoes with mozzarella and basil or a quick puttanesca. Angela Hartnett's macaroni cheese and Meera Sodha's vegan alternative are simple yet delicious, while Kirsty Scobie and Fenella Renwick's smoked haddock, pea, and chorizo macaroni cheese adds a seafood twist. In all cases, bake until the edges bubble and the top turns golden.
Food Culture Insights and Recommendations
Beyond recipes, food culture enriches the experience. Barbara Pym's Excellent Women offers a literary treat with food-centric narratives, reflecting postwar London life. For cookbook enthusiasts, Anna Ansari's Silk Roads: A Flavour Odyssey takes readers on a culinary journey across Asia, featuring dishes like Iranian lamb stew and Uyghur cumin tofu. The YouTube channel Crazy Korean Cooking, hosted by Grace Park and her parents, provides entertaining lessons on Korean cuisine, inspiring new ways to enjoy ramen and kimchi.
Whether you're crafting a Sichuan-style lasagne or opting for a quick macaroni bake, baked pasta promises a complete, inviting meal with minimal fuss. So, wash up, make a salad, and savor the warmth of these easy, inspired recipes.
