Instructions

Pasta

Cook the knees in salted water for 1 minute less than the time on the package (they will finish in the oven). Drain, rinse briefly with cold water, and mix with a knob of butter.

Base

Heat butter/oil in a pan, sauté onions until glassy (3-4 min). Add ham/bacon, optionally garlic, and briefly fry until golden. Remove from heat.

Cream mixture

In a bowl, whisk eggs, cream, milk, mustard, paprika, a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix half of the cheese and herbs into this mixture.

Assembly

Grease a large baking dish (approx. 25x35 cm) with butter and sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Mix the pasta with the onion-ham mixture and the cream mixture in a bowl so that everything is nicely coated. Pour into the baking dish, smooth the surface.

Cheese on top

Sprinkle with the remaining cheese.

Baking

Bake in an oven preheated to 190°C for 25-30 minutes, until the surface is nicely golden and the center is 'set'. If you want a very crispy top, turn on the upper heat for the last 2-3 minutes.

Serving

Let it rest for 5 minutes, cut into squares, and serve with pickles or tomato salad.

Tip

Tip: To prevent the ham and pasta dish from being dry, do not overcook the pasta and always mix in a piece of cheese. If you love the "stretchy" effect, add 100 g of mozzarella inside. For a milder flavor, stir in 2 tablespoons of sour cream into the creamy mixture.