Quick Sicilian Baked Pasta Gratin Recipes

SICILIAN-STYLE POTATO GRATIN

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Rub 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish with cut side of garlic clove. Brush dish with olive oil. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, sprinkle with coarse salt, and sauté until soft and beginning to brown, stirring frequently, about 13 minutes.
• Arrange 1/3 of potatoes in even layer in prepared dish. Sprinkle with coarse salt and pepper. Scatter half of onions over. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons Pecorino Romano and 1 tablespoon capers. Repeat layering with half of remaining potatoes, coarse salt and pepper, remaining onions, 2 tablespoons Pecorino Romano, and 1 tablespoon capers. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
• Arrange remaining potato slices over. Sprinkle with coarse salt and pepper and remaining 1 tablespoon capers. Drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Pour chicken broth over. Press down firmly on potatoes to compact gratin.
• Cover gratin tightly with foil and bake until potatoes are tender, about 1 hour 20 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle with remaining 4 tablespoons Pecorino Romano. Bake gratin uncovered until cheese is lightly browned, about 15 minutes. Let gratin stand 10 minutes at room temperature before serving.

QUICK BAKED PASTA

Steps:

• Bring water to a boil.
• Add oil, beef and garlic to heated frying pan.
• Saute until meat is browned; drain excess fat.
• Add all remaining ingredients except the cheese for topping and the pasta.
• Simmer the whole mixture while the pasta cooks until just tender.
• Drain the pasta and mix it with the sauce.
• Pour all into a 3 qt.
• (9x13) glass baking dish and top with the mozzarella cheese.
• Bake uncovered at 350 for 25 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

QUICK SICILIAN BAKED PASTA GRATIN

Steps:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F.
• Saute the peppers and onion in the heated oil until the onions become translucent in appearance.
• Add garlic and pepper flakes.
• Cook for a few minutes, but don't brown your garlic-- or it will become bitter.
• Add the tomatoes, olives, caper, and basil in your food processor or blender and only coarsely give it a few pulses.
• Add this mixture to the skillet and reheat.
• Adjust your seasonings to taste.
• Combine the tomato mixture, cheese, pasta, and gentely turn into an oiled casserole.
• Bake 30 minutes uncovered.
• NOTE: You can assemble this dish, refrigerate it and make it two days later.
• Also you can add a little more tomatoes if you like a saucier sauce.
• I added more olives because I like them.