The name comes from the French word for 'kettledrum' (timbale).[1] Varieties of timballo differ from region to region, and it is sometimes known as a bomba, tortino, sartù (a type of Neapolitantimballo with rice and tomato sauce) or pasticcio (which is used more commonly to refer to a similar dish baked in a pastry crust).[1] It is also known as timpano[3] and timbale. It is similar to a casserole and is sometimes referred to in English as a pie or savory cake.[1]
Preparation
A timballo pattadese being assembledThe baked timballo pattadese before slicing
The dish is prepared in a dome or springform pan and eggs or cheese are used as a binder.[1] Rice is commonly used as an ingredient in Emilia-Romagna, where the dish is referred to as a bomba and baked with a filling of pigeon or other game bird, peas, local cheese and a base of dried pasta.[1]Crêpes are used as a base in Abruzzo, and other regions use ravioli or gnocchi.[1] In Sicily, it is typically made with pasta and eggplant.[4]