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Macaroni Timbale

17/11/2023

The macaroni timbale is a typical dish of central and southern Italy and is a sort of baked pasta casserole, usually with macaroni, enriched with different ingredients depending on regional and personal variations. Here I describe a classic version of the macaroni timbale.

Ingredients

  • 500 g of macaroni
  • 500 ml of tomato sauce
  • 150 g of cooked ham, diced
  • 150 g of mozzarella, diced
  • 100 g of grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
  • 2 eggs
  • 100 g of cooked peas (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Breadcrumbs for sprinkling
  • Butter for greasing the pan

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
  2. Cook the macaroni in plenty of salted water following the package instructions, but drain them at least a couple of minutes before the recommended cooking time so they stay al dente.
  3. Prepare the tomato sauce in a pan with a drizzle of oil, garlic (or onion), salt, and pepper (this step may vary according to personal preferences for the tomato sauce).
  4. Drain the macaroni and pour them into a large bowl. Add the tomato sauce and stir to evenly season the pasta.
  5. Add the ham, mozzarella, Parmesan, sliced hard-boiled eggs, and cooked peas. If you prefer, you can also add other ingredients such as mushrooms, minced meat, or fried eggplants.
  6. In a separate bowl, beat the remaining two eggs and add them to the pasta, mixing to combine everything.
  7. Butter a baking dish and sprinkle the bottom and sides with breadcrumbs. This will create a crunchy crust.
  8. Pour the macaroni mixture into the prepared dish and level the surface.
  9. Sprinkle the top with more Parmesan and breadcrumbs and some butter flakes.
  10. Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes or until a golden and crispy crust forms on the surface.
  11. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Fun Facts

The macaroni timbale is often associated with big occasions and family celebrations. It’s a dish that lends itself to numerous variations, with some recipes even including layers of egg pasta as if it were a lasagna. Its versatility allows it to be easily adapted to individual preferences and ingredient availability.

Macaroni Timbale