Introduction to Using Ziti Noodles in Your Kitchen

Your go-to kitchen tool, the spiralizer, has revolutionized how you prepare your vegetable noodles. From zucchini to carrots, this handy gadget transforms your ingredients into noodles, offering a healthier and more satisfying alternative to traditional pasta. If you're looking for versatile recipes that involve ziti noodles, you'll find a range of ideas from simple pasta salads to warming casseroles. This article offers detailed recipes and tips to help you make the most of your spiralized vegetables and favorite pasta dishes.

Tools and Techniques for Spiralizing Vegetables

When it comes to spiralizing vegetables, there are several tools available, but a high-quality handheld spiralizer is highly recommended. It can transform an array of vegetables into noodles that are similar to traditional ziti pasta. You can use a julienne peeler, but the results tend to be less even and less satisfying. Here are the tools and techniques to consider:

A spiralizer: This is the most popular tool and works exceptionally well. A julienne peeler: Can be used but results may not be as uniform as with a spiralizer. A Mandoline: Offers very thin slices but can be more complicated to use.

Recipes for Ziti Noodles

Ziti noodles, whether made from zucchini or traditional pasta, can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are two recipe ideas to add to your weekly repertoire:

1. Homemade Pesto Ziti Noodles

This simple pasta dish is perfect for a quick meal:

Blanch the ziti or zoodles in salted water for 2-3 minutes. Toss them in a thin pesto sauce made with fresh parsley, Parmesan or Romano cheese, olive oil, roasted or raw garlic, and pine nuts or almonds (after toasting).

2. Baked Ziti Casserole

This classic casserole is a family favorite and can be adapted for various tastes and occasions:

Ingredients:

1 28oz can of whole peeled tomatoes 1 medium onion - chopped 5 cloves of garlic, minced Fresh basil, rosemary, and thyme (or Italian seasoning if fresh herbs are unavailable) 1 lb ground beef 2 tbsp olive oil Multinu meshed crushed red pepper 1 lb box of ziti 8-10 oz ricotta cheese 8 oz ball of mozzarella cheese 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

Sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until translucent, then add ground beef and brown. Add canned tomatoes and cook, smashing them with a wooden spoon, for 45 minutes to an hour. Boil a large pot of water and cook ziti until al dente. Combine pasta, ricotta cheese, and sauce, mixing well to leave some ricotta chunks. Transfer half of the mixture into a baking dish, top with the remaining pasta and cheese. Bake at 450°F for 15 minutes until bubbly and cheese browned.