Certainly! Below is the rewritten recipe for Veggie Manicotti tailored for the “Love With Recipes” site, complete with structured ingredients and nutritional information tables, as well as detailed instructions.
Veggie Manicotti: A Healthy Vegetarian Pasta Delight
Embarking on a culinary journey to create a delicious and nourishing dish can be incredibly rewarding, especially when the recipe incorporates wholesome ingredients that your family will adore. This Veggie Manicotti recipe, inspired by a delightful find in New Mexico Magazine (January 2004), presents a vibrant assembly of vegetables and creamy cheeses stuffed into tender pasta shells, all enveloped in a rich tomato sauce. While I haven’t had the chance to prepare it just yet, it’s firmly on my to-cook list for the near future.
Ingredients
To craft this delightful Veggie Manicotti, you will need the following ingredients, each contributing to a hearty and nutritious meal:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Eggplant | 1 |
| Onion | 1/2 |
| Garlic cloves | 2 |
| Dried tarragon | 1/2 tsp |
| Dried thyme | 1/2 tsp |
| Tomatoes | 1 can (14.5 oz) |
| Tomato sauce | 1 can (8 oz) |
| Frozen spinach | 1 package (10 oz) |
| Ricotta cheese | 1 cup |
| Mozzarella cheese | 1 cup (divided) |
| Egg substitute | 1/2 cup |
| Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh parsley | 2 tbsp (chopped) |
Nutritional Information
This recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and nutrients, making it an excellent choice for a wholesome meal:
| Nutritional Information | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 358.2 kcal |
| Total Fat | 18.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 64.5 mg |
| Sodium | 845.3 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 24.3 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.4 g |
| Sugars | 10.8 g |
| Protein | 27.2 g |
Instructions
Creating this scrumptious Veggie Manicotti is a straightforward process that will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas, making it a pleasure to prepare and enjoy. Follow these detailed steps to ensure your dish turns out perfectly:
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Prepare the Baking Dish: Begin by spraying a large baking dish (approximately 9 x 12 inches) with cooking spray to prevent the manicotti from sticking. Set this dish aside for later use.
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Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it prepares the oven to cook the manicotti evenly.
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Cook the Vegetables: In a large skillet, spray a thin layer of cooking spray over medium heat. Once heated, add the chopped eggplant, diced onion, minced garlic cloves, dried tarragon, and dried thyme. Sauté these ingredients for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
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Prepare the Sauce: Add the can of tomatoes and the tomato sauce to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Once done, set the sauce aside.
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Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen spinach (make sure it is thawed and drained), ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese, egg substitute, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Stir the mixture well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.
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Stuff the Manicotti: Take each manicotti shell and use a small spoon to gently fill them with the cheese and spinach mixture. Place the stuffed manicotti upright in the prepared baking dish.
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Assemble the Dish: Once all the manicotti shells are filled and arranged in the baking dish, pour the prepared tomato sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the sauce for a deliciously cheesy finish.
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Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to help the manicotti steam and heat through without drying out. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 45 minutes, or until heated thoroughly and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve and Enjoy: Remove the dish from the oven, let it cool slightly, and serve your Veggie Manicotti warm, garnished with additional parsley if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
The Veggie Manicotti is not only a fantastic way to enjoy a hearty vegetarian dish but also an opportunity to incorporate various nutritious ingredients into your family’s diet. The combination of creamy cheeses and savory vegetables, nestled in tender pasta shells, creates a delightful meal that everyone will savor. I can’t wait to try this recipe soon and share it with my loved ones!
This dish is sure to become a beloved favorite, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. Enjoy the cooking process, and relish each flavorful bite!
