Pasta pudding with vegetables in pastry dough

We start by preparing the white sauce, an essential element of this recipe, which will add a creamy and refined touch. In a pan, we add the butter and let it melt over low heat, then we gradually start adding the flour, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. We continue to stir until the mixture turns golden. Subsequently, we begin to add the milk, in small amounts at first, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. At this stage, we can add a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavors. We let the sauce simmer over low heat for a few minutes, then set it aside.

For the vegetable part, we choose onion, carrot, bell pepper, and zucchini, all finely chopped. In a separate pan, we add a little olive oil and sauté the vegetables for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly to maintain their crunchy texture. Then, we add a few crushed garlic cloves, which add a special flavor, but we will remove them later. After the vegetables have softened slightly, we take them off the heat and let them cool.

Meanwhile, we boil the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Once ready, we drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. In a large bowl, we mix the cooked pasta with the sautéed vegetables and the white sauce, adding our favorite spices such as oregano, basil, or even a dash of chili for a bit of heat. We bring the mixture to taste, adjusting with salt and pepper.

Now we deal with the dough. In a bowl, we mix the flour with water and a pinch of salt, kneading well until we obtain an elastic dough. We roll out a thin sheet, large enough to cover the greased dish with butter or oil. We place the pasta and vegetable mixture in the dish, add half of the grated cheese, then cover with the remaining dough, ensuring the edges are well sealed.

We brush the surface with tomato juice to add extra moisture and flavor, and finally sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. We preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and place the dish in for 25-30 minutes, until the dough turns golden and crispy. Finally, we let it cool slightly before slicing, so that each piece is perfect. This dish is ideal for a family dinner or a festive meal, full of delicious flavors and textures.