Manicotti

Manicotti, the Italian term for “little sleeves,” is a large, tubular pasta typically made from durum wheat semolina flour. Its hollow shape makes it the perfect pasta for stuffing, with common fillings ranging from ricotta cheese and spinach to ground meats. Manicotti is then typically smothered in marinara or béchamel sauce and baked to perfection.

Originating from Italian-American cuisine, the traditional way to make manicotti involves making a thin crepe (known as a “crespelle”), filling it, rolling it into a tube shape, and baking. However, most commonly, manicotti refers to pre-shaped pasta tubes available in the dry pasta section of the grocery store.

Health Benefits of manicotti:

• Carbohydrate Source: Manicotti, like other pasta types, is a good source of carbohydrates, providing your body with the energy it needs for daily activities.
• Protein-Rich: Manicotti also contains a fair amount of protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Low in Fat: Naturally low in fat, manicotti can fit into a health-conscious diet plan.
• Fiber Content: Choosing whole grain manicotti increases dietary fiber, which aids digestion and promotes feelings of satiety.

International Dishes using manicotti:

Classic Italian Manicotti: Stuffed with a mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, covered in marinara sauce, and baked until golden and bubbly.

Vegetarian Manicotti: A healthy alternative stuffed with spinach, zucchini, bell peppers, and ricotta cheese.

Seafood Manicotti: Filled with a mixture of seafood like crab or shrimp, cheese, and herbs, topped with a creamy white sauce.

Mexican-Style Manicotti: An innovative take on manicotti, stuffing the pasta with a blend of cheese, beans, and ground beef, and smothered in enchilada sauce.

Classic Italian Manicotti

Cooking Tips:

• Cooking Pasta: Cook manicotti in salted, boiling water until al dente, taking care not to overcook as the pasta will cook further when baked.
• Filling Pasta: Use a piping bag to make filling the manicotti tubes easier.
• Arranging in Pan: Lay filled manicotti in a single layer in the baking dish for even cooking.
• Sauce: Don’t skimp on the sauce as it helps prevent the manicotti from drying out during baking.

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 157 kcal

Protein: 5.3g

Carbohydrates: 30.9g

Fiber: 1.7g

Fat: 0.9g

Sodium: 1mg

Storage Instructions

• Uncooked manicotti can be stored in a cool, dry pantry for up to two years. Once cooked and filled, manicotti should be refrigerated and eaten within three to five days. If you want to prepare manicotti in advance, you can freeze the filled but unbaked pasta in an airtight container.It may be kept for up to two months in the freezer. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Embrace the unique, delightful experience that manicotti brings to your dining table. This isn’t just another pasta; it’s a culinary adventure, a chance to explore a myriad of flavors and textures encased in one delicate pasta sleeve. Stuffed with your chosen ingredients and draped in your favorite sauce, every bite of manicotti is a revelation, an exploration of taste. Incorporate manicotti into your cooking repertoire, and discover the joy of serving this delightful, versatile pasta that impresses at family dinners, potlucks, and festive celebrations alike. The creative possibilities are endless with manicotti—so why not let your culinary creativity run wild today?