To try: Pumpkin Baked Ziti with Caramelized Onions and Sage Crumb Topping

julie-r-wa

Well-known member
I've read a lot of good reports on this recipe in various food blogs, and it sounds delicious. I'm not vegan and so will probably fiddle with it here and there, but wanted to share the original recipe with you all so you could see it, too.

*** Pumpkin Baked Ziti with Caramelized Onions and Sage Crumb Topping ***

Not exactly a pretty dish, when in the pan, but absolutely delicious! Source: "Veganomicon: The Ultimate Vegan Cookbook"

1 pound uncooked ziti or penne

2 onions, sliced very thinly

3 T olive oil

1 recipe cashew ricotta (follows)

1T brown sugar

1/4 t. ground nutmeg

white pepper and cayenne

2 c or 1 15-oz can pumpkin puree (not pie mix)

1/4 c. vegetable broth

Cashew ricotta (makes 2 cups):

1/2 c. cashew pieces (approx. 4 oz.)

1/4 c. fresh lemon juice

2 T olive oil

2 cloves fresh or roasted garlic

1 lb. firm tofu, drained and crumbled

1-1/2 t. dried basil

1-1/2 t. salt

Sage bread crumbs:

2-1/2 c. bread crumbs, preferably freshly made

1/4 c. Earth Balance or olive oil

2 t. dried, rubbed sage

1/2 t. ground paprika

salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 375. Lightly grease a 9×11 or 9×13-inch lasagna pan with olive oil. Prepare ziti according to package directions. Drain, rinse, drain again and set aside.

While ziti is cooking, make the caramelized onions: preheat a large, heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Saute onions in oil until some onion bits are very brown and caramelized, about 12 to 15 minutes. Set aside.

Make the cashew ricotta: In a food processor, blend together the cashews, lemon juice, olive oil and garlic until a thick creamy paste forms. Add the crumbled tofu to the food processor, working in batches if necessary, until the mixture is thick and well blended. Blend in the basil and salt.

Place cashew ricotta in large bowl and fold in pumpkin puree, brown sugar, nutmeg, white pepper, cayenne, and vegetable broth. Add the cooked ziti and the caramelized onions. Pour mixture into the prepared pan and level with a spatula, pressing slightly.

Make the bread crumb topping: Melt margarine or heat oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Stir in the bread crumbs, dried herbs, and paprika and season with salt and pepper. Stir constantly until the mixture is lightly coated, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and spread over pasta mixture.

Bake 28 to 30 minutes, until the top of the ziti is golden brown. Cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/156924264X/cerejulislist

 
For tonight! Revised rec: Baked Pumpkin & Sausage Ziti with Caramelized Onion & Sage Crumb Topping

*** Baked Pumpkin & Sausage Ziti with Caramelized Onion and Sage Crumb Topping ***

Based on a vegan recipe from "Veganomicon: The Ultimate Vegan Cookbook" but revised for omnivores. smileys/smile.gif

1 pound uncooked ziti or penne
2 onions, sliced very thinly
2 Tbsp butter
1 T olive oil
2 tsp white wine
1 1/2 lbs Italian sausage, sweet or hot according to your tastes
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups or 1 15-oz can pumpkin puree (not pie mix)
2 eggs, beaten
2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced (roasted is even better)
1 1/2 tsp dried basil
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp cayenne
1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth

Sage bread crumbs:
2 1/2 cup bread crumbs, preferably freshly made
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tsp butter
2 tsp dried rubbed sage
1/2 tsp ground sweet paprika
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/3 to 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Pan spray a 9×11 or 9×13-inch lasagna pan with olive oil. Prepare ziti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

While ziti is cooking, make the caramelized onions: preheat a large pan over medium heat. Melt together the butter and olive oil and sauté the onions until onion bits are browned and caramelized, about 12 to 15 minutes. Set aside.

Add white wine to the pan and stir, scraping the pan, to deglaze. When liquid is reduced to at least half, add the sausage and sauté until browned. Set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the pumpkin, egg, garlic, basil, salt, pepper, nutmeg, cayenne, and broth. Add the cooked ziti, caramelized onions, and browned sausage. Pour mixture into the prepared pan and level with a spatula.

Make the bread crumb topping: heat oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in the bread crumbs, dried herbs, and paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Stir constantly until the mixture is coated, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes, then add the grated Parmesan and combine well. Spread over pasta mixture.

Bake in preheated 375 degree F oven for about 30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown. Removed from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Makes about 8 servings.

 
I like your version! Did anyone read the recent Food and Wine where they make ricotta from scratch

I want to try it sometime, sounds easy and delicious. Just wondering if I can use goat or sheeps milk since cow juice doesn't agree with me. Anyway, fresh ricotta would be wonderful in here too.

Oh! and your adding sausage is just perfect. mmm.

 
It was delicious! smileys/smile.gif I've edited the rec a bit, took out the brown sugar and increased sausage...

...and added Parmesan into the topping.

I'll edit it again later when I have pics uploaded.

 
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