What To Know
- The key to a great stuffed shell is the filling, and the ricotta cheese is the star of the show.
- Place the shells in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the shells are golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
- The best way to drain ricotta cheese is to line a colander with cheesecloth or a paper towel and place the ricotta cheese in the colander.
Stuffed shells are a classic Italian dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The key to a great stuffed shell is the filling, and the ricotta cheese is the star of the show. If you’re looking to take your stuffed shells to the next level, then you need to know how to season ricotta cheese properly.
In this blog post, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to season ricotta cheese for stuffed shells. We will also provide you with some tips and tricks to help you create the perfect filling.
Step 1: Choose the Right Ricotta Cheese
The first step to seasoning ricotta cheese is to choose the right type of ricotta cheese. There are two main types of ricotta cheese: fresh ricotta and aged ricotta. Fresh ricotta is made from whole milk and has a light, creamy texture. Aged ricotta is made from skim milk and has a firmer, drier texture.
For stuffed shells, we recommend using fresh ricotta cheese. Fresh ricotta cheese has a higher moisture content, which makes it easier to mix with other ingredients.
Step 2: Drain the Ricotta Cheese
Once you have chosen the right ricotta cheese, you need to drain it. Draining the ricotta cheese will remove excess moisture, which will help to prevent the filling from becoming watery.
To drain the ricotta cheese, line a colander with cheesecloth or a paper towel. Place the ricotta cheese in the colander and let it drain for at least 30 minutes.
Step 3: Season the Ricotta Cheese
Once the ricotta cheese has been drained, it’s time to season it. There are many different ways to season ricotta cheese, but here are a few of our favorite combinations:
- Classic: Salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese
- Italian Herbs: Salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and thyme
- Lemon and Garlic: Salt, pepper, lemon zest, and minced garlic
- Spinach and Feta: Salt, pepper, chopped spinach, and crumbled feta cheese
- Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil: Salt, pepper, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped basil
Step 4: Mix the Filling
Once you have seasoned the ricotta cheese, it’s time to mix in the other ingredients for the filling. Some common ingredients for stuffed shells filling include:
- Cooked meat: Ground beef, sausage, or chicken
- Vegetables: Chopped spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini
- Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, or cheddar cheese
- Herbs: Chopped parsley, basil, or oregano
- Eggs: To bind the filling together
Step 5: Stuff the Shells
Once the filling is mixed, it’s time to stuff the shells. To stuff the shells, simply spoon the filling into the shells until they are full.
Step 6: Bake the Shells
Once the shells are stuffed, they are ready to be baked. To bake the shells, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the shells in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the shells are golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the shells are baked, they are ready to be served. Serve the shells with your favorite marinara sauce and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk ricotta cheese.
- If you don’t have time to drain the ricotta cheese, you can use a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- If the filling is too dry, add a little bit of milk or cream.
- If the filling is too wet, add a little bit of bread crumbs.
- You can also add other ingredients to the filling, such as chopped nuts, olives, or raisins.
- Be sure to cook the shells al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. This will prevent them from becoming mushy when they are baked.
The Perfect Stuffed Shells
By following the steps and tips in this blog post, you can create the perfect stuffed shells. So what are you waiting for? Give it a try today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best way to drain ricotta cheese?
A: The best way to drain ricotta cheese is to line a colander with cheesecloth or a paper towel and place the ricotta cheese in the colander. Let the ricotta cheese drain for at least 30 minutes.
Q: How can I make the filling more flavorful?
A: You can make the filling more flavorful by adding herbs, spices, or other ingredients, such as chopped nuts, olives, or raisins.
Q: How long should I bake the shells?
A: You should bake the shells for 20-25 minutes, or until the shells are golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
