Tortilla Manicotti

Tortilla Manicotti Recipe - Vegetarian Mexican Dish

Region / culture: Mexico | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Tortilla Manicotti is a delicious and easy-to-make Italian-inspired dish that combines the flavors of prosciutto, ricotta cheese, and marinara sauce all wrapped up in a tortilla. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

History

Manicotti is a traditional Italian dish that typically consists of large pasta tubes filled with a cheese mixture and topped with marinara sauce. This recipe puts a unique twist on the classic dish by using tortillas instead of pasta, making it a fun and easy alternative.

Ingredients

6 Mission? Fajita Size flour tortillas
3 tbsp butter
2 oz (57 g) chopped prosciutto, thinly sliced
2 small cloves garlic, minced
2 cups ricotta cheese
0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
0.25 cup fresh basil, chopped
0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
15 oz (425 g) (about 2 cups) marinara sauce

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the proscuitto and garlic, and cook until tender, about 4 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in the ricotta, parmesan, basil, and parsley; season to taste.
Place the warmed tortillas on a work surface and spoon 0.5 cup of filling down the center of each.
Place the tortillas seamside down on an 8x8 inch greased baking dish. Spoon on the marinara sauce and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
Bake until heated through, about 20 minutes.

Variations

Use ground beef or sausage instead of prosciutto for a meatier filling.
Add vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to warm the tortillas before filling them to make them more pliable and easier to roll.

- Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients such as spinach, mushrooms, or sausage.

- For a crispy top, broil the manicotti for a few minutes after baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Tortilla Manicotti with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Preheat the oven to ensure even cooking.

- Use a large skillet to sauté the prosciutto and garlic for maximum flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use cottage cheese or mascarpone cheese instead of ricotta.

- Substitute dried herbs for fresh if needed.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the filling ahead of time and assemble the manicotti just before baking for a quick and easy meal.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the manicotti with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Tortilla Manicotti with a glass of red wine such as Chianti or Sangiovese.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Tortilla Manicotti contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Tortilla Manicotti contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Tortilla Manicotti contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Tortilla Manicotti contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Tortilla Manicotti is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (ricotta and parmesan cheese) and wheat (tortillas).

Summary

Tortilla Manicotti is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Tortilla Manicotti is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a flavorful filling wrapped in a tortilla and topped with marinara sauce, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a cold winter day, and I had just arrived at my friend Maria's house for our weekly cooking exchange. Maria was a master in the kitchen, always whipping up delicious meals with ease. As soon as I walked in, the aroma of garlic and tomatoes filled the air, signaling that something special was on the menu that day.

Maria greeted me with a warm hug and a cup of hot tea. We chatted and caught up on each other's lives as we waited for the water to boil for our pasta dish. As we worked side by side in the kitchen, Maria suddenly pulled out a hand-written recipe card from her drawer and handed it to me.

"Have you ever tried making Tortilla Manicotti before?" she asked, a twinkle in her eye.

I looked at the recipe card, intrigued by the combination of flavors and ingredients listed. It was a unique twist on the classic Italian dish, using tortillas instead of pasta shells. Maria explained that she had learned the recipe from her grandmother, who had picked it up from a friend during a trip to Mexico many years ago.

As Maria shared the story behind the recipe, I could see the pride and joy in her eyes. She spoke fondly of her grandmother, a woman who had a passion for cooking and a knack for adapting recipes to suit her family's tastes. Maria's grandmother had passed down her love for cooking to Maria, who in turn was passing it on to me.

I felt honored to be entrusted with such a special recipe, and I couldn't wait to give it a try. Maria guided me through the steps, showing me how to prepare the filling with ricotta cheese, spinach, and ground beef. She demonstrated how to roll the tortillas and arrange them in a baking dish, before topping them with a rich tomato sauce and a sprinkle of cheese.

As we worked together in the kitchen, I absorbed every detail, soaking in Maria's expertise like a sponge. She shared tips and tricks with me, teaching me how to season the dish just right and how to adjust the cooking time for the best results. I felt a sense of camaraderie and connection as we cooked side by side, a bond that only grows stronger through the shared experience of creating something delicious together.

Finally, after hours of chopping, stirring, and baking, our Tortilla Manicotti was ready to be served. The aroma that filled the kitchen was mouth-watering, and my stomach grumbled in anticipation. Maria and I sat down at the table, our plates piled high with steaming hot manicotti, the cheese melted and gooey on top.

As I took my first bite, I was transported to a world of flavors and textures. The tortillas were soft and tender, the filling creamy and savory, the sauce tangy and sweet. It was a symphony of tastes that danced on my tongue, a perfect balance of ingredients that complemented each other beautifully.

I looked over at Maria, who was watching me with a smile on her face. She knew that I had fallen in love with the recipe, just as she had the first time she tried it with her grandmother. In that moment, I understood the power of sharing recipes and stories, of passing down traditions and memories through food.

From that day on, Tortilla Manicotti became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and lazy Sunday afternoons. Each time I prepared the dish, I thought of Maria and her grandmother, of the love and care that went into creating something so delicious and satisfying.

And as I shared the recipe with others, passing it on to friends and family, I knew that I was continuing a tradition that had been started long ago. A tradition of cooking, of sharing, of bonding over a meal made with love. And for that, I am forever grateful.