🍽️ Asparagus Filled Manicotti: A Delightful Italian Dish 🇮🇹
Asparagus Filled Manicotti is a delightful Italian dish that combines the elegance of manicotti pasta with the earthy flavors of asparagus. It’s a delectable and visually appealing dish that’s perfect for a special occasion or a gourmet dinner. Let’s dive into its history, components, preparation steps, and the time needed to make this mouthwatering dish. 😋
History:
The exact origin of Asparagus Filled Manicotti is not well-documented, but it’s a modern twist on traditional Italian pasta recipes. Italy, known for its diverse and regional cuisine, has a rich history of stuffed pasta dishes. Manicotti, which means “sleeves” in Italian, typically features large pasta tubes filled with a variety of ingredients, and asparagus is a contemporary addition that brings a fresh and vibrant twist to this classic.
Components:
- Manicotti Pasta: Large pasta tubes, similar to cannelloni, that are used to hold the filling.
- Asparagus: Fresh asparagus spears, blanched and cut into pieces, serve as the star ingredient.
- Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and rich ricotta cheese is used for the filling.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory kick to the dish.
- Garlic: Minced garlic enhances the flavor.
- Fresh Herbs: Typically, fresh herbs like basil and parsley are added for freshness.
- Olive Oil: To sauté the garlic and asparagus.
- Salt and Pepper: For seasoning.
Preparation Steps:
-
Cook the Pasta: Boil the manicotti pasta until it’s al dente, then drain and let it cool. Be careful not to overcook, as it will be baked later.
-
Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, and freshly chopped herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Blanch the Asparagus: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the asparagus for a few minutes until it’s tender but still crisp. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Drain and chop into bite-sized pieces.
-
Assemble: Stuff each manicotti tube with the ricotta cheese mixture and the blanched asparagus pieces.
-
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the filled manicotti in the dish. Pour more tomato sauce over the top, and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese.
-
Bake Again: Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the manicotti is heated through and the cheese is bubbly. You can remove the foil in the last 10 minutes to let the top brown.
-
Serve: Once out of the oven, garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.
Time Needed:
The preparation of Asparagus Filled Manicotti takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, including the time for blanching asparagus and baking in the oven. The actual time may vary depending on your cooking skills and kitchen setup. It’s a labor of love, but the end result is absolutely worth it!
Enjoy your delicious Asparagus Filled Manicotti! 🍽️👌🇮🇹
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Asparagus Filled Manicotti:
Nutrition Facts (per serving, which is typically 2-3 manicotti):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 calories
- Protein: About 15-20 grams
- Carbohydrates: Around 30-40 grams
- Fat: Approximately 15-20 grams
- Fiber: 2-4 grams
- Sugars: 2-4 grams
- Sodium: Varies depending on the sauce and cheese, but it can be moderately high due to the cheese and sauce.
Health Information:
-
Protein: Manicotti with ricotta cheese provides a decent amount of protein, making it a filling dish.
-
Carbohydrates: The pasta provides carbohydrates, which are a good source of energy. However, be mindful of portion size if you’re watching your carbohydrate intake.
-
Fat: The ricotta cheese and Parmesan cheese add fat to the dish. While fat is essential in a balanced diet, it’s essential to consume it in moderation, especially if you’re concerned about your fat intake.
-
Fiber: Asparagus and whole wheat pasta can contribute some fiber to the dish, aiding in digestion.
-
Sugars: The sugar content is relatively low in this dish, mainly from natural sources in the ingredients.
-
Sodium: Depending on the tomato sauce and cheese used, the dish can be high in sodium. If you’re watching your sodium intake, consider using low-sodium or homemade tomato sauce.
-
Vitamins and Minerals: Asparagus is rich in vitamins like vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, and several B vitamins. It also provides essential minerals such as folate, potassium, and iron.
-
Caloric Content: Asparagus Filled Manicotti is moderately caloric, so portion control is key, especially if you’re following a calorie-restricted diet.
Remember that the specific nutrition content can vary based on the ingredients you use and portion sizes. It’s a delicious dish, but it’s a good idea to enjoy it in moderation, especially if you’re mindful of your calorie and nutrient intake. Additionally, you can make it slightly healthier by using whole wheat manicotti and opting for low-fat or part-skim ricotta cheese.
