Describe the procedure for preparing stuffed pasta?

Answer 1

Stuffed pasta has a lot of variations, but there are some basics. The pasta should be cooked first (al dente). The filling (whatever kind you plan to use) should be cold but not frozen. For manicotti, you might want to use a pastry bag or food storage bag (just cut a hole in the corner) to put the filling in. It makes it easier. But a spoon works, too. Fill the pasta but not too full. You don't want the pasta to split open. For lasagna or cannelloni, you can put the filling on one end of the pasta and roll it up. For shells, just spoon the filling into the shell.

When the pasta is stuffed, arrange it in a baking dish with some space between each serving. Pour over your sauce and bake 20-30 minutes at 350. If you want to top it with cheese, now is the time. Then bake another 10 minutes.

For ravioli or similar stuffed and sealed pasta, you first need to make or obtain fresh pasta. Large flat sheets work best. Put small amounts of your filling (about a tablespoonful) on one sheet about every two inches. Brush the pasta with water or beaten egg around each dollop of filling. Cover with another sheet so that all the dollops of filling are covered. With your fingers, press the pasta together around each dollop pushing out all the air you can. Then cut the ravioli with a knife or ravioli wheel. Bring a big pot of water to a boil, add salt and drop in the ravioli a few at a time and cook until they float. You can then strain them out and add your sauce.