Baked Ziti: A Journey Through Italian Culinary Delights
Baked ziti is a delectable Italian dish that has captured the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide. This culinary masterpiece combines the goodness of tender ziti pasta, a savory meat sauce, a creamy béchamel sauce, and a blanket of melted cheese. The result is an explosion of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
A Trip Down Memory Lane: The Origins of Baked Ziti
The exact origins of baked ziti are shrouded in the mists of time, but it is believed to have evolved from a traditional Italian pasta dish called "pasta al forno." This dish was a simple casserole made with pasta, various meats, and vegetables. Over time, baked ziti emerged as a variation of this classic, featuring a more elaborate preparation and a wider array of ingredients.
Ingredients That Dance on Your Palate
- Pasta: Ziti, a tube-shaped pasta with ridges, is the traditional choice for this dish. Its shape allows it to hold the sauces and cheese perfectly.
- Meat Sauce: A combination of ground beef or sausage, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and seasonings forms the robust meat sauce that coats the pasta.
- Béchamel Sauce: A creamy, white sauce made with butter, flour, and milk adds richness and creaminess to the dish.
- Cheese: A blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese provides a gooey, golden-brown topping.
How many calories are in Baked Ziti?
Each 1 serving of Baked Ziti contains 579 calories.
Baked Ziti Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per 1 serving (484g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 579 Calories |
| Protein | 29g |
| Fat | 19g |
| Saturated Fat | 9.1g |
| Cholesterol | 0.082mg |
| Carbohydrates | 71g |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.8g |
| Sugar | 11g |
| Sodium | 1.349mg |
| Potassium | 0.8484mg |
| Calcium | 0.445mg |
| Iron | 0.0043mg |