Brands of Vegetarian Stuffed Pasta?!
Brands of Vegetarian Stuffed Pasta?
I'd like to know which brands of stuffed pasta are vegetarian. I don't consume eggs and the usual brand I buy (Barilla) only has stuffed pasta made with egg.
Also, is it possible to make stuffed pasta at home, right from scratch? If so, got any good recipes?
Thanks very much. =)
Answers:
It's not too hard to make your own. Pasta is nothing more than semolina (or other flour) and water. For a simple stuffing just mix some tofu with minced herbs and/or spinach. You can find plenty of recipes for both pasta and veggie fillings on the web.
Usually in your grocer's freezer you will find vegan and organic foods...Brands will vary with regions...
Veggie Pasta Shells
Freeze these jumbo stuffed shells either in a casserole covered with sauce, or freeze the individual shells in small bags without the sauce. That way you can take out one or two and zap in the microwave for a fast lunch.
INGREDIENTS:
24 uncooked jumbo pasta shells
10 oz. can vegetable broth
1 carrot, minced
1 potato, peeled and diced
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 egg
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp. dried Italian seasoning
28 oz. jar spaghetti sauce
PREPARATION:
Cook pasta according to package directions. Rinse, drain, and let cool.
In a large saucepan, heat broth to boiling. Stir in carrots, potatoes and onions and cook 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Drain vegetables well. Combine with ricotta, mozzarella and Parmesan cheese in a large bowl. Stir in Italian seasoning. Fill each cooked and cooled shell with this cheese mixture.
Pour 1/2 cup of the spaghetti sauce in the bottom of a 9x13" baking pan. Arrange stuffed shells in a single layer on the sauce. Pour remaining sauce over top. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese.
To freeze, refrigerate at this point until cold. Then wrap, label, and freeze up to 3 months. To thaw and reheat, thaw whole casserole overnight in refrigerator. Bake as directed below, adding 15-20 minutes to baking time. To thaw and reheat individual shells, microwave on 40% power for 2-4 minutes until thawed. Then microwave on 60% power for 1-3 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.