Ingredients

4 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup chopped onion
2 cans plum tomatoes , chopped , not drained
1 garlic clove , minced
6 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons fresh basil , chopped ( or 2 tsp dried )
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
to taste pepper
1 1/2 cups water ( as needed )
6 whole eggs , beaten
2 cups flour
2 cups milk
1 pinch salt
3 - 3 1/2 lbs ricotta cheese
1 lb mozzarella cheese , cubed ( or shredded )
3 whole eggs
1/4 cup parsley , chopped
1/4 cup parmesan cheese , grated
to taste salt and pepper
6 tablespoons butter
8 tablespoons onions , chopped
1 1/2 lbs ground veal
2 frozen chopped spinach , defrosted and squeezed dry
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
6 eggs
to taste salt
8 tablespoons butter
8 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
2 cups cream
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Authentic Manicotti & Cannelloni is a classic Italian dish, characterized by its large, tube-shaped pasta shells that are filled with meat and cheese and baked in a rich white sauce. The roots of this dish can be traced back to the medieval era, when pasta was still a relatively new food in Italy. Today, it is a staple of Italian cuisine and is enjoyed in homes and restaurants around the world. This recipe uses a combination of veal, spinach, and ricotta cheese for the filling, which is then rolled up in tender crepes and topped with a luxurious white cream sauce. The dish is hearty, satisfying and sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Instructions

1.In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2.Add the chopped onion and cook until softened.
3.Add the plum tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, sugar, salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
4.Add water as needed to adjust the consistency of the sauce. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
5.In a large mixing bowl, combine the beaten eggs, flour, milk and salt. Whisk to form a smooth batter.
6.Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Pour a ladleful of batter into the skillet and swirl it around to coat the bottom. Cook until the batter solidifies, then flip the crepe and cook for another 15 seconds. Repeat with the remaining batter.
7.In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, whole eggs, parsley, grated Parmesan, salt and pepper.
8.In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until soft. Add the ground veal and cook until browned. Add the spinach and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and cook until the spinach is wilted.
9.Stuff the crepes with the ricotta mixture and the veal filling. Roll up the crepes and place them in a baking dish.
10.Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Cook for 1-2 minutes without browning.
11.Gradually whisk in the milk and cream. Bring the mixture to a boil, whisking constantly. Reduce heat and cook for 5 minutes.
12.Season with salt, white pepper and nutmeg. Pour the sauce over the manicotti and cannelloni.
13.Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.

PROS

This recipe is rich and flavorful, with a delicious meat and cheese filling complemented by a creamy white sauce.

A perfect comfort food for a chilly evening, the dish can feed a crowd and is easy to prepare in advance.

CONS

This recipe is not particularly healthy, as it contains high levels of fat, calories, and cholesterol.

It is best enjoyed as an occasional treat in moderation.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While this recipe is not the healthiest option, it does contain some beneficial nutrients.
Ricotta cheese is a good source of calcium, which promotes healthy bones and teeth. Spinach is rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron and vitamins A and C, which are essential for a healthy immune system. Cannelloni and manicotti are both forms of pasta, which can provide a good source of carbohydrates for quick energy.

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