Who doesn't love Baked Ziti?! This is one of the first Italian recipes I learned how to make (from Olga the owner of Pizza Time in Bellmore NY if you want to know the source). It is easy to make with no upfront prep needed. And its super yummy - enjoy!
Serves: 4-6 (depending on the hunger level and age of the scouts)
Preparation Time: 30-40 min
Ingredients
1 lb (16oz) Package of Ziti, Rigatoni, or Penne Rigate
1 lb (16oz) Ricotta Cheese
8 oz Mozzarella Cheese, Shredded
8 oz Grated Parmesan and/or Romano Cheese
8oz Tomato Sauce, Plain/Marinara
Spice Mix: Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Basil, Oregano, Salt, Pepper to taste
Equipment
Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Dutch Oven Liner (can be made from Parchment Paper)
Charcoal briquets (about 2 dozen)
Heat proof glove(s)
Pot for boiling water
Strainer to drain pasta
Large spoon
People
Chef: Scout who leads the cooking, in charge of the ingredients, the stove (NEVER leave a cooking flame unattended!), getting the food into the Dutch Oven with the help of the Oven Starter. Responsible for cleaning up the cooking supplies.
Oven Starter: Responsible for setting up and watching the Dutch Oven, making sure the food is not left unattended and does not burn. Responsible for preparing the coals (and if necessary a second batch of coals for longer cook times). Responsible for removing/replacing the lid.
Everyone Else: Cleaning up!
Instructions (for the Chef) - see Instructions "for the Oven starter" below
Heat a pot of water for pasta under high heat/flame - when water starts boiling, cook pasta per directions on box (the Oven Starter should be igniting coals at this point - see below). Note it may be necessary to lower heat slightly so water does not boil over, but pasta water should be boiling, not simmering.
Drain pasta with strainer and set aside, turn off the flame/heat.
In the empty pasta pot, pour the sauce and add the Ricotta and Parmesan/Ricotta cheeses (Do not add the Mozzarella cheese!), and all the spices. Mix up until smooth and all the ingredients have been sufficiently mixed
Stir the drained pasta (a little at a time) into the mixture, stir until cheese sauce is evenly spread amongst pasta.
Have the Oven Starter remove the lid of the Dutch Oven (careful not to displace the coals).
Pour the pasta-cheese mixture into the Dutch Oven
Sprinkle the Mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta
Cook for 15-20min or until the top is crusty and light brown. Immediately remove from heat/coals.
Instructions "for the Oven Starter" below
Prep Dutch Oven with a Liner or Parchment Paper. Prep Charcoal Chimney Starter with coals and starter (e.g. shredded newspaper) - DO NOT LIGHT YET!
When the Chef says the water is boiling, light the Charcoal Chimney.
When coals are ready (graying), pour out of Chimney, place coals above and below Dutch Oven (About 8 below and 16 on top/lid) - close lid and let Dutch Oven heat up
When the cheese-pasta mixture is ready, CAREFULLY remove the lid, keeping all the coals in place.
When the Chef has finished preparing the Dutch Oven with the Baked Ziti, replace the lid, and if necessary even out the coals on top of the lid
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