For me, the dish that best represents my Nonna Silvana is her baked pasta. It is not only a recipe she has mastered, but also the one that carries the taste of childhood and family gatherings. Christmas, Easter, birthdays, and every special occasion were made complete by this dish on the table.

Nonna Silvana has never been a professional chef with countless recipes. She is a home cook who prepares only a few dishes, but each one is unique and unforgettable, just like her. Her baked pasta is a celebration of love and tradition, made with tiny meatballs fried and simmered in tomato sauce, hard boiled eggs, ham, mozzarella, and Parmesan. A dish that fills the kitchen with warmth and brings everyone together, no matter how far we are.

This dish takes time and patience, but every minute is worth it. First, the small meatballs are made, fried, and then slowly simmered in tomato sauce. While they cook, the eggs are boiled, the mozzarella and ham diced, and the pasta cooked until al dente. The baking dish is then layered with pasta, sauce with meatballs, and toppings, until everything comes together in the oven, golden and bubbling.

STEP 1

Make the meatballs
In a bowl, combine ground veal, eggs, Parmesan, bread crumbs, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Mix well, shape into small bite size meatballs, and fry in hot oil until golden.

STEP 2

Cook the sauce
In a pot, heat a little olive oil with a garlic clove.
Add the tomato sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes.
Add the fried meatballs and cook on low heat for one and a half to two hours, until thick and flavorful.

STEP 3

Prepare the toppings
Boil the eggs, peel them, and chop into small pieces. Dice the mozzarella and ham.

STEP 4

Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, cook the pasta until al dente, and drain.

STEP 5

Assemble the dish
In a 12x16 inch baking dish, spread a layer of sauce with meatballs.
Add pasta, then ham, chopped eggs, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with plenty of sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan on top.

STEP 6

Bake
Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes.
Remove the foil, lower the temperature slightly, and bake for another 15 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.

STEP 7

Serve
Let the baked pasta rest for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy with a glass of Gratsi Wine and love, the essential ingredient in Nonna Silvana’s kitchen.