Page 59 - 2019TOHCookbook

INSTRUCTIONS
1. In a large stock pot, coat bottom with oil on high heat.
2. Heat the garlic approximately 1 minute but do not brown.
3. Add tomato paste and integrate heated garlic. Quickly mix in oregano, thyme, basil and parsley.
4. Heat 1-2 minutes until paste is warm and spices are incorporated.
5. Add tomato puree and mix into paste/spice mixture, stir thoroughly approximately 5 minutes.
6. Add crushed tomatoes and stir thoroughly approximately 5 minutes. Stir every few minutes until sauce is hot, approximately 15 minutes.
7. Reduce heat to very low. Add diced tomatoes and stir thoroughly. Cover and stir every 20-25 minutes.
8. In a frying pan, brown the meat in batches. Then, drain oil/fat from browned meat.
9. Approximately 30 minutes after adding diced tomatoes to the first pot, add the browned meat to the sauce and stir thoroughly. Continue to stir sauce every 20-25 minutes for next 3 hours.
10. When the sauce is finished cooking, remove from heat. Using a 9 x 13 ovenproof pan that is at least 2 1⁄2 inches deep, ladle enough sauce onto the bottom of the pan to completely coat, making sure that there are no large pieces of meat or tomato-breakup any large pieces of tomato/meat before proceeding. Next, put down one layer of noodles. If using fresh made Pastosa noodles place 2 wide or, if using prepared from box, use 3-4 noodles. Add 11 pieces of mozzarella evenly spaced
(3 in middle and 4 on each outside approximately 1⁄2 inch from long edge). Add 3⁄4 lb. ricotta
and spread out evenly over layer of noodles. Add thick layer of meat sauce to completely cover all cheese to every edge of the pan.
11. Repeat step 10 for the second layer of noodles, mozzarella, ricotta and meat sauce. Similarly construct the third layer with noodles, mozzarella, (no ricotta) and a lighter layer of meat sauce to completely cover the mozzarella.
12. Heat oven to 375˚ F.
13. Cover baking pan in aluminum foil, tightly wrapped. Place pan on center rack and bake 45-50 minutes until cheese in middle is fully melted and noodles are soft.
14. Uncover and bake 10 minutes to lightly brown top.
15. Remove from oven and let stand for 15-20 minutes to allow settlement. Cut into pieces and serve.
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