Timballo

Timballo is a delicious baked Italian dish that can be made with pasta, rice, or potatoes mixed with a variety of ingredients, making it a versatile favorite. There are several variations, such as Timballo Alberoni and Timballo Pattadese, each offering its unique flavors. The name "Timballo" derives from the French word for kettledrum, and depending on where you are in Italy, you might hear it referred to as bomba, tortino, sartù, or pasticcio. Think of it as a delightful blend of a casserole, pie, and savory cake.

To make Timballo, you'll need a dome or springform pan, and typically use eggs or cheese to help bind the ingredients together. The components can vary significantly by region. In Emilia-Romagna, for example, you might find pigeon, peas, and local cheese in the mix. In Sicily, pasta and eggplant are more common. Sauces like mushroom, fonduta, and béchamel often feature in Timballo recipes, adding rich layers of flavor.

Timballo even made its way into popular culture thanks to the 1996 film "Big Night" where it was famously called "timpano." The movie significantly boosted the dish's popularity. More recently, YouTube chef Andrew Rea recreated the "timpano" from "Big Night" on his show "Binging with Babish" in a 2016 episode, introducing this classic dish to a whole new audience.