by Rowlandwithaw

Created on: February 24, 2009   Last Updated: February 27, 2009

Some years ago whilst I was first living in Italy, in the depth of winter, I asked an Italian friend, what was considered comfort food in Italy. After a short pause, he looked at me with a slightly quizzical expression, and said: ALL food is comfort food!': Yes, of course, all food is comforting in one way or another, but I don't think Italians quite appreciate that if you live in a damper Northern climate, there are times when you need something substantial to warm you through to the core. There are however Italian recipes that do fit the bill, and this is does it perfectly.

PASTA AL FORNO

Enough for 6 portions

Ingredients: 1 onion, chopped finely 2 cloves of garlic, chopped finely 100gr pancetta affumicata 400gr minced beef 1 bottle of passata 1 tbs tomato puree 1 glass of red wine 2 balls of mozzarella cheese Parmesan cheese Oregano 1 bay leaf Salt and pepper Olive oil 500gr penne or tortiglioni 1 teasp sugar

Method

Fry the onion and garlic for a few minutes in some olive oil, when slightly coloured add the pancetta and fry until it starts to look crispy, add the mince, stirring well to make sure it all browns.

At this point add a healthy glug of red wine and let it cook for a few minutes, now add the passata, tomato puree, sugar, oregano, bay leaf and salt and pepper.

Cover the saucepan and let the sauce simmer away gently for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally to make sure it doesn't stick to the bottom of the pan.

When you're ready to assemble the dish put a very large pan of water on to boil add enough salt to make it taste like the Mediterranean. When it is boiling, add the pasta and cook for exactly the time it tells you on the packet.

Whilst the pasta is cooking, drain the mozzarella and cut into small pieces. When the pasta has had the allotted time, drain well and put it back in the pan pouring a little olive oil over it to stop it sticking.

In an ovenproof dish, first put a thin layer of the sauce on the bottom, now a layer of pasta, one of sauce and then a layer of the mozzarella. Continue until you have used all the ingredients. Finally sprinkle a layer of grated parmesan over top. Put into a hot oven and cook until the top is crispy.

With a robust red wine, you'll be ready to take on a cold winter's day.

Enjoy.

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