Bračke Škanjate - Croatian Stuffed Pasta Shells

Ingredients

• 20 large pasta shells 20 large pasta shells
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small zucchini, finely diced 1 small zucchini, finely diced
• 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 cup ricotta cheese 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup marinara sauce 1 cup marinara sauce
• Grated cheese and olive oil for serving Grated cheese and olive oil for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 5g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. 3.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent.
4. 4.
   Add the zucchini and red bell pepper to the skillet, and cook until they are tender.
5. 5.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, feta cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
6. 6.
   Add the cooked vegetables to the cheese mixture and stir until evenly combined.
7. 7.
   Stuff each pasta shell with the cheese and vegetable mixture, and place them in a baking dish.
8. 8.
   Pour the marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, covering them completely.
9. 9.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. 10.
    Serve the Bračke Škanjate hot, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with grated cheese.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pasta shells — Cook the pasta shells until they are al dente to ensure they hold their shape when stuffed and baked.
• Ricotta cheese — Use a high-quality ricotta cheese for a creamy and smooth texture in the filling.
• Fresh herbs — Opt for fresh parsley and basil to infuse the dish with vibrant flavors.
• Marinara sauce — Choose a good-quality marinara sauce or make your own for the best taste.

Tips & Tricks

• To add a touch of sweetness, sprinkle some caramelized onions on top before baking.
• Experiment with different cheeses such as goat cheese or mozzarella for a unique twist.
• For a heartier version, add cooked ground meat to the filling mixture.
• Serve with a side of fresh salad or roasted vegetables to complete the meal.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day for a delicious lunch.

Serving advice

Serve Bračke Škanjate as a main course accompanied by a fresh green salad and crusty bread. Drizzle some olive oil over the stuffed shells and sprinkle grated cheese on top for an extra burst of flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the stuffed pasta shells on a platter, garnished with fresh basil leaves. The vibrant colors of the vegetables and the melted cheese will make the dish visually appealing.