Ingredients

3 eggs
1 cup water
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
non stick Pam cooking spray
2 lbs whole milk ricotta cheese
1/2 cup pecorino romano cheese , freshly grated
1 cup shredded whole milk mozzarella
3 tablespoons fresh basil , chopped ( dried can be used )
4 tablespoons fresh parsley , chopped ( dried can be used )
2 eggs , beaten
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
2 quarts marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese , for topping
Manicotti is a classic Italian dish that dates back centuries. These cheese-filled crepes are a family favorite and are often served at special occasions and holidays. Made with tender crepes and a rich cheese filling, this dish is loaded with flavor and warmth. It's the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening or a lazy Sunday lunch. While this dish can be time-consuming to make from scratch, the effort is well worth the end result!

Instructions

1.Combine the eggs, water, and flour in a blender.
2.Blend until the mixture is smooth.
3.Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
4.Spray with non-stick Pam cooking spray.
5.Pour approximately 1/4 cup of the batter into the pan and swirl to coat the entire bottom of the pan.
6.When the edges start to pull away, use a spatula to flip the crepe over.
7.Cook for an additional 15 seconds.
8.Repeat this process until all of the batter has been used.
9.Preheat the oven to 375°F(190°C).
10.In a large bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, pecorino romano cheese, shredded whole milk mozzarella, basil, parsley, beaten eggs, fresh ground pepper.
11.Spoon the mixture along one side of each crepe and roll up the crepes.
12.Cover the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish with 1/4 of the tomato sauce.
13.Arrange the filled manicotti over the sauce.
14.Top with the remaining tomato sauce.
15.Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
16.Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

PROS

Manicotti is a delicious, filling meal with a comforting, cheesy flavor.

This dish can be made in large batches and is perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping.

It can be modified to include different fillings like spinach, meat, or mushroom.

CONS

Manicotti can be high in calories and fat, particularly when made with a lot of cheese.

Eating too much of this dish can lead to weight gain and other health problems if not balanced with exercise and a healthy diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This dish is high in protein and calcium from the ricotta cheese, which can support strong bones and muscle repair.
It also contains antioxidants in the tomato sauce, which may help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of cancer and heart disease.
To make this dish healthier, consider using low-fat cheese or adding vegetables like spinach to the filling.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.