Veggie Manicotti

ellie_'s Note:

I came across this recipe when looking for healthy vegetarian pasta recipes that my family would enjoy. Although I haven't made this yet I am planning on making it soon. Recipe source: New Mexico Magazine (January 2004)

• Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 45 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 1 small eggplant , peeled and chopped
• ½ cup onion , chopped
• 2 garlic cloves , chopped
• ½ teaspoon dried tarragon
• ½ teaspoon thyme
• 1 (14 ounce) can tomatoes , undrained
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen spinach , drained
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese , divided
• ½ cup egg substitute
• ½ cup parmesan cheese , grated
• 2 tablespoons parsley
• 6 manicotti , cooked and drained according to package directions divided

Directions:

1. Spray a large baking dish (9 x 12) with cooking spray and set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 350-degrees F.
3. Spray a large skillet with cooking spray.
4. Over med heat cook first 5 ingredients (eggplant- thyme) in skillet for 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
5. Add tomatoes and tomato sauce and bring sauce to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Set aside.
7. In a large bowl combine spinach, ricotta, 1/2 cup of the Mozzarella cheese, egg substitute, Parmesan cheese and parsley, mix well.
8. With small spoon stuff Manicotti shells with cheese/spinach mixture and place in prepared baking dish.
9. Spoon sauce over manicotti and sprinkle with remaining Mozzarella (1/2 cup).
10. Cover and bake for 30- 45 minutes or until heated.

Reviews

[Jociecee]

This was a delicious recipe that the whole family enjoyed! I loved the combination of vegetables and it was so flavorful that nobody missed the meat. I made this for Best of 2010 Tag-thanks for a new favorite!

[weekend cooker]

I rarely make recipes with eggplant in them, so I gave this one a try. Thought it was very good, my son and myself usually do not eat vegeratarian recipes, but really enjoyed this. Made for a nice pleasant meal. Made for Best of Cookbook tag 2011.

[smellyvegetarian]

This was absolutely delicious! I made a few substitutions: I rolled the filling into lasagna noodles as I had some to use up, subbed marjoram for the tarragon, and I subbed a yellow squash for the eggplant as I can't eat the stuff. I admit I was a bit nervous as I put this in the oven; I wondered if the filling needed salt or the sauce needed cheese. No need to worry, though, as it came out just great. Thanks so much for posting a hearty and satisfying veg meal. Made for Veg*n Swap 18.