Vegetarian Diet
A balanced vegetarian diet can be super healthy
Stuffed Pasta Shells
Ingredients:
12 to 14 jumbo pasta shells, cooked
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and chopped fine
1 tablespoon chopped onion
1/2 cup fresh mushrooms, chopped
1/3 teaspoon basil
1/3 teaspoon oregano
1 medium garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley
1 large egg or 2 egg whites, beaten
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Salt to taste
1½ cups low-fat or regular spaghetti sauce
Parmesan cheese for garnish, optional
Directions:
1. In a large pasta cooker, cook pasta shells according to package direction, do not overcook. Drain well, cover and set aside.
2. Add butter to a medium size skillet, place on medium-high heat, and cook onions, mushrooms, garlic, oregano, basil and black pepper for about 4 minutes or until tender.
3. Remove from heat and mix in prepared spinach, ricotta cheese and beaten egg or egg whites, add salt to taste and mix well.
4. Spread a thin layer of spaghetti sauce on bottom of baking dish and set aside.
5. Preheat oven to 350º F (180º C).
6. Spoon cooked mixture into prepared pasta shells. Arrange shells on dish, open side up, and bake for about 25-30 minutes.
7. If desired garnish with ground parmesan cheese and serve hot.
Makes 4 to 5 servings.
Tips:
Pasta shells could be stuffed one day in advance, and baked next day for quick and delicious meal.
Make a meal plan for the whole week (or two weeks) and avoid becoming a short-order cook in your own kitchen.
RomWell Cookbook
Discover various delicious and useful recipes...Did You Know?
Research show that our food portions at home and restaurants have grown significantly in the past thirty years. With constant food advertising and large portions all around us, it's never been more important to take full control and responsibility in achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight.
Try to start with smaller portion, then take additional food, if required.
Take some time to enjoy your meal and company at the time and pay attention to the taste and texture of your food.
Listen to your body, it will give you signals for hunger and fullness if you listen carefully.
Read the labels of packaged foods. Keep in mind that the calories and nutrients provided are for one serving only. So, if you eat twice that amount, don't forget to multiply by two.