Baked ziti, or Ziti al Forno, is a generic term that describes any oven baked pasta. Oven baked pastas date back to the late Middle Ages when they were served to nobles at banquets. The method caught on across Italy, and eventually became a staple dish across southern Italy. It is still popular today in Sicily and Campania. Try this Vegan Baked Ziti with Sausage for a unique twist on this traditional favorite.
There are many different variations of baked ziti. This recipe is a traditional tomato sauce with a play on a vegan béchamel. Spicy vegan sausage brings flavor and warmth to the dish.
Baked ziti is versatile. Try different varieties like: vegan chicken and Alfredo sauce, buffalo spiced jackfruit, or added vegetables, like kale, Brussels sprouts, or peas.
Next up is the cheese sauce. The apple cider vinegar in this recipe lends a tangy, cheesy flavor. Be sure to grab a live apple cider vinegar like Bragg’s. This brings a dose of beneficial bacteria known as probiotics.
Here’s the Technique
Start by making your pasta sauce. Unless you have a specific tool that breaks up meat, you can use your hands, a wooden spoon, or other utensil to break up the sausage into crumbles.
This recipe is possibly even better as reheated leftovers than when first out of the oven. Be sure to allow the rest time after cooking. This ensures that the pasta comes together a bit, and that your mouth doesn’t get burned on molten cheese sauce.
Make it a Meal
Cut through the richness of Vegan Baked Ziti with these Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts.
