Courtesy of Chef Silvia Bianco
www.chefsilvia.com

 

TIMPANA

1 lb. penne pasta (cooked according to package directions)
3 cups Bolognese sauce
(see below)
1 large eggplant (sliced lengthwise 1/4 inch thick and grilled or roasted)
2 red bell peppers (grilled or roasted)

To roast the vegetables
Eggplant: Brush each slice with a bit of olive oil and grill for about 1 minute on each side
or until just golden (to roast place on a sheet pan in a 400 degree oven for about 10 minutes

The peppers: place whole, on a grill or directly over a gas burner. Char on all sides and put in
a paper bag to cool. Peel away and discard the charred skin and seeds. Tear the peppers into
slices, place in a bowl and add salt and pepper to taste.


Bolognese Sauce (Meat Sauce)

1 lb ground meat: a mix of sausage and turkey meat is best
2 28oz can of crushed tomatoes
¼ cup finely chopped onions
½ teaspoon minced garlic
3 tablespoons olive oil
¼ cup heavy cream
Salt & pepper to taste
Fresh chopped basil or parsley + a sprig of fresh basil

Heat oil in a large saucepan, then add onions
Cook until soft, then add garlic and saute for a few moments until golden (be careful note to burn)
Add meat and cook until brown on all sides. Don’t over stir. You want big chunks.
Add the tomatoes, stir
Cook over medium heat for approx. 60 – 90 minutes (see tip below)
Season with salt, pepper and fresh herbs

Tip: For a quick tomato sauce that is still delicious, buy canned tomatoes
that are labeled "recipe ready" or "kitchen ready" (Several manufacturers make them)
This sauce will take about 30 minutes. It’s practically all I use. (available at Stop ‘n shop.


Cook the pasta and toss with the Bolognese sauce

Spray the spring board pan with cooking spray and line the bottom half way and all the
way up the sides of the pan with the grilled eggplant

Fill with the pasta

Fold the top of the eggplant over the top of the pasta

Fill the middle top with the peppers

Cover with foil and bake at 350 for approximately 30 to 40 minutes

Cool for 15 minutes before slicing