Baked wavy noodles

Recipe: Curly Noodles Gratin with Sausages and Mozzarella

On cold winter evenings, when the wind howls outside, nothing is more comforting than a warm and savory dish that embraces your soul. Curly noodles gratin with sausages and mozzarella is the perfect choice, being not only a simple recipe but also a true feast for the taste buds. I invite you to discover step by step how to create this delicious dish!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 500 g homemade curly noodles
- 400 g Transylvanian sausages with ham and cumin
- 300 g mozzarella cheese
- 10 cm leek
- 1 red bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons Kapia pepper paste
- Fresh green basil
- 50 ml olive oil
- Salt (optional)
- 50 g butter
- Cherry tomatoes for decoration

Short history of the recipe

Gratinated noodles are a modern reinterpretation of traditional dishes, where pasta perfectly combines with flavorful ingredients. This recipe has its roots in rustic cuisine, where each ingredient was carefully chosen, considering both taste and nutritional benefits. Gratinating adds a crunchy texture and intense flavor, transforming a simple dish into a true feast.

Step-by-step preparation

1. Boiling the noodles
Start by boiling the curly noodles in salted water according to the instructions on the package. Make sure the water is well salted, as the noodles will absorb some salt during boiling. Once al dente, drain and quickly rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

2. Preparing the ingredients
In a large skillet, add the oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the sliced sausages and sauté for 5-7 minutes until golden and aromatic. Add the finely chopped leek and red bell pepper, continuing to sauté for another 3-4 minutes.

3. Adding flavors
When the vegetables become slightly soft, add the Kapia pepper paste. This will add a sweet and sour note to your dish, but remember that salt is optional, considering the sausages already contain enough seasoning.

4. Assembling the gratin
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a baking dish with butter. Place a layer of noodles on the bottom of the dish, followed by a layer of sausages and vegetables. Add chopped basil and slices of mozzarella. Continue with another layer of noodles, then top with sausages, mozzarella slices, and halved cherry tomatoes. Add a few pieces of butter on top for a refreshing taste and a delicious crust.

5. Gratinating
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the mozzarella melts and gets a golden crust. This is where the magic happens – the aroma will fill the entire house and make you eager to serve the dish.

6. Serving
Once the gratin is ready, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve it warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves and, if desired, a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.

Practical tips

- Ingredient selection: Choose quality sausages that will add flavor to the dish. Transylvanian sausages with ham and cumin are an excellent choice due to their intense flavors.
- Variations: You can substitute mozzarella with goat cheese for a stronger taste or add vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for a touch of freshness.
- Pairing with drinks: This dish pairs perfectly with a dry white wine, which will highlight the rich flavors of the sausages and cheese.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use whole grain pasta?
Yes, you can replace traditional noodles with whole wheat noodles for a healthier dish.

2. What can I do with leftovers?
If you have leftovers, you can freeze them for a quick meal at a later date. Reheat in the oven until hot.

3. Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the sausages with sautéed vegetables or tofu, and mozzarella with vegan cheese.

Nutritional benefits

This gratin is a good source of protein, thanks to the sausages and cheese, while the noodles provide complex carbohydrates essential for energy. Leek and red bell pepper are full of vitamins and minerals, adding extra nutrients to your dish.

In conclusion, curly noodles gratin with sausages and mozzarella is an excellent choice for evenings when you want to indulge in a warm and comforting dish. This recipe will not only impress your family and friends but will also bring warmth to cold winter days. So, prepare your ingredients and let yourself be carried away by the delicious aromas of this wonderful dish!