Recipe for fresh manicotti from scratch, including making the crêpes and the ricotta filling:
Ingredients:
For the crêpes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Pinch of salt
For the ricotta filling:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
For assembling the manicotti:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese for sprinkling
Instructions:
- To make the crêpes:
- In a blender, combine the flour, milk, eggs, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray.
- Pour about 1/4 cup of the crêpe batter into the skillet, swirling it around to coat the bottom evenly.
- Cook the crêpe for about 1-2 minutes until the edges start to lift and the bottom is lightly golden. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side. Repeat with the remaining batter, stacking the cooked crêpes on a plate as you go.
- To make the ricotta filling:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- To assemble the manicotti:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Take a crêpe and spoon some of the ricotta filling down the center. Roll up the crêpe and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining crêpes and filling.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the manicotti, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the manicotti is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is golden brown.
- Sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan cheese before serving, if desired.
- Let the manicotti cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade manicotti!
