Ricotta shells

Nutrition
Calories: 995 kcalCarbohydrates: 120 gProtein: 63 gFat: 52 gSaturated Fat: 35 gCholesterol: 213 mgSodium: 1171 mgFiber: 15 gSugar: 24 gVitamin A: 121.875 IUCalcium: 847 mgIron: 21 mg
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 oz. slab bacon diced
- 1 whole onion chopped
- 1 whole carrot chopped
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 lb. tomatoes peeled, seeded and chopped
- 1 oz bouquet garni
- 4 whole garlic clove chopped
- 2 cups chicken stock or water
- 1 lb large jumbo pasta shell 32 to 40 shells
- 1 lb. ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup freshly gratedparmesan cheese
- 2 whole eggs
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 tsp grated nutmeg
- 8 oz. fresh mozzarella or bocconcini sliced or shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350° F. To make the tomato sauce, melt the butter over medium heat in a large flameproof casserole or Dutch oven. Add the bacon and cook until golden brown. Add the onion and carrot and cook for 3 minutes. Add the tomato paste, stir well and cook for another 2 minutes. Sprinkle with the flour and place in the oven for 5 minutes. Remove and stir well until the flour disappears, then add the tomatoes, bouquet garni and garlic. Cook on the stove for 5 minutes, stirring well, then add the stock or water, bring to a boil, stirring, and cook for 2 minutes. Cover and bake for 1 hour.
- Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add a splash of oil to stop the pasta from sticking and cook the shells according to the manufacturer's instructions. Drain and drizzle with a little olive oil. Arrange on a damp towel.
- Lightly oil a large baking dish. In a bowl, mix together the ricotta, Parmesan, eggs, herbs and nutmeg and season with salt and pepper. Spoon the mixture into a pastry bag with a plain nozzle, fill each shell and arrange in a single layer in the prepared dish.
- Strain the tomato sauce through a strainer, pressing well in order to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids. Bring the sauce back to a boil and skim if necessary. Simmer for 20 minutes, or until the sauce thickens. Pour over the stuffed shells. Sprinkle the mozzarella over the sauce and bake for 30 - 40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and browned.
