Appetizer > Romanian > Colțunași

Colțunași with Artichoke and Mozzarella Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 package of Colțunași pasta (about 20 pieces)
- 1 can of artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Mixing bowl
- Baking dish

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the Colțunași pasta and cook according to the package instructions.

3. While the pasta is cooking, mix together the chopped artichoke hearts, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.

4. Drain the cooked pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

5. Stuff each Colțunași pasta with a spoonful of the artichoke and cheese mixture.

6. Place the stuffed pasta in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Serve hot and garnish with additional parsley if desired.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
4-6 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 380
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Sodium: 550mg
Sugar: 2g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of pasta instead of Colțunași.
- You can substitute the artichoke hearts with spinach or sun-dried tomatoes.
- You can use any type of cheese instead of mozzarella or parmesan.

Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp to the artichoke and cheese mixture for added protein.
- Use a different type of pasta, such as ravioli or tortellini.
- Add a can of diced tomatoes to the artichoke and cheese mixture for a different flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to rinse the cooked pasta with cold water to prevent it from sticking together.
- Use a piping bag or a small spoon to stuff the pasta with the artichoke and cheese mixture.
- You can make the artichoke and cheese mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge until ready to use.

Storage instructions:
Store any leftover Colțunași with Artichoke and Mozzarella in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat the leftovers in the microwave or in the oven until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the Colțunași with Artichoke and Mozzarella on a platter with additional parsley for garnish.

Garnishes:
Fresh parsley

Pairings:
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables.

Suggested side dishes:
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pasta is too dry, add a little bit of olive oil to the artichoke and cheese mixture.
- If the pasta is too salty, rinse it with cold water before stuffing it with the artichoke and cheese mixture.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the pasta and the stuffing mixture to the appropriate temperature to prevent any foodborne illnesses.

Food history:
Colțunași is a traditional Romanian dish that is similar to Italian ravioli.

Flavor profiles:
Savory, cheesy, and slightly tangy from the artichoke hearts.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the Colțunași with Artichoke and Mozzarella as a main dish for dinner or as an appetizer for a party.

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Region: Romanian

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Creamy, Cheesy, Herbal