Spinach and Porcini Stuffed Manicotti |
|
 |
Prep Time: 20 Minutes Cook Time: 75 Minutes |
Ready In: 95 Minutes Servings: 4 |
|
Ingredients:
1 ounce dried porcini |
1 cup hot water |
1 cup minced red onion |
2 tablespoons unsalted butter |
1 1/2 cups cooked and drained spinach, chopped |
2 teaspoons minced garlic |
1 15 -ounce container ricotta cheese |
1/2 cup coarsely grated mozzarella |
1 cup grated locatelli cheese |
1 large egg, beaten lightly |
salt and pepper to taste |
freshly grated nutmeg to taste |
8 manicotti shells |
3 tablespoons unsalted butter |
3 tablespoons flour |
1 1/2 cups milk, heated |
freshly grated nutmeg |
salt and pepper to taste |
snipped fresh chives or minced parsley for garnish if desired |
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a heatproof bowl soak the porcini in the water for 15 minutes. Drain the porcini, reserving the liquid, pat dry and chop fine. Strain reserved soaking liquid through a double thickness of dampened cheesecloth into a bowl.
2. In a skillet set over moderate heat cook the onion in the butter, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
3. Add the spinach, garlic and mushrooms and cook, stirring, 3 to 4 minutes, or until heated through. Transfer mixture to a bowl, add remaining ingredients (using only 1/2 cup of locatelli) and gently stir to combine well.
4. Cook the manicotti in boiling salted water until just al dente. With a slotted spoon transfer to a bowl of cold water, drain and pat dry. Gently stuff shells with filling and arrange in a buttered baking dish.
5. Make the sauce: In a saucepan set over moderately low heat melt the butter, add the flour and cook the mixture, whisking, for 2 minutes. Add the milk and reserved mushroom liquid and bring to a simmer, whisking. Add nutmeg, salt and pepper and simmer, whisking occasionally, for 5 minutes.
6. Spoon the sauce over the manicotti, sprinkle with the remaining locatelli and bake, covered with foil for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for 10-15 minutes longer. Let rest 5 minutes. Sprinkle with snipped fresh chives.
|
|