Tofu Manicotti

Savor the light and flavorful delight of Tofu Manicotti, a creative twist on traditional recipes, crafted by Carolyn Diana from Scottsdale, Arizona. Drawing inspiration from her mom’s lasagna, Carolyn created a creamy filling using tofu that leaves everyone surprised and delighted. This easy-to-prepare dish not only offers a delicious main course but also wins the hearts of her kids with its irresistible taste. Indulge in this wholesome and deceptively cheesy manicotti that incorporates the goodness of tofu without sacrificing flavor.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups meatless spaghetti sauce
• 1 can (14½ ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• ⅓ cup finely shredded zucchini
• ¼ cup finely shredded carrot
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 package (12.3 ounces) silken firm tofu
• 1 cup (8 ounces) 1% cottage cheese
• 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
• 10 uncooked manicotti shells

PREPARATIONS:

1. In a bowl, combine the meatless spaghetti sauce, diced tomatoes with their juice, finely shredded zucchini, carrot, and Italian seasoning. Spread ¾ cup of this mixture into a 13×9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray.
2. Prepare the creamy filling by combining silken firm tofu, cottage cheese, and shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese. Stuff this delightful mixture into the uncooked manicotti shells.
3. Arrange the filled manicotti shells over the sauce in the baking dish, and top them with the remaining sauce.

COOK TIME: 50-55 minutes (Bake: 50-55 minutes until noodles are tender)

YIELD: 5 servings

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• For an even lighter version, opt for a lower-fat or fat-free cottage cheese.

TIPS:

• Add your favorite vegetables or a medley of colorful bell peppers to the filling for extra nutrition and flavor.

In conclusion, Tofu Manicotti is a delightful culinary creation by Carolyn Diana from Scottsdale, Arizona, offering a light and flavorful twist on traditional recipes. Inspired by her mom’s lasagna, Carolyn ingeniously crafted a creamy filling using silken firm tofu that keeps the dish wholesome and surprisingly cheesy. This easy-to-prepare recipe allows you to indulge in a flavorful main course that leaves your taste buds delighted and your family impressed.

The dish begins with a mouthwatering mixture of meatless spaghetti sauce, diced tomatoes, finely shredded zucchini, carrot, and Italian seasoning. This flavorful sauce sets the foundation for the manicotti, infusing it with delectable taste and aroma.

The star of the show is the creamy filling, which features a combination of silken firm tofu, cottage cheese, and shredded part-skim mozzarella. This wholesome blend transforms the manicotti into a light and nutritious treat without compromising on flavor. The tofu cleverly mimics the creaminess of traditional cheesy fillings, earning it a place in this cherished recipe.

To complete the dish, the filled manicotti shells are arranged over the sauce and topped with the remaining sauce, creating a visually appealing and delectable masterpiece. As the manicotti bakes to perfection, the flavors meld, and the noodles become tender, ready to be served with a touch of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of indulgence.

For a healthier version, you can opt for a lower-fat or fat-free cottage cheese, enhancing the nutritional value without compromising on taste.

In summary, Carolyn Diana’s Tofu Manicotti is a delightful and wholesome twist on traditional recipes, showcasing the versatility and charm of tofu. Surprise your loved ones with this scrumptious dish that will have them enjoying the goodness of tofu in every delightful bite.