Cashew ‘Ricotta’ and Spinach Stuffed Shells

Ingredients

• Cashew nuts

  Nuts, raw

  16 oz or 454g

• Jumbo Shells

  Jumbo Shells are a large, graceful, concave shape inspired by the shape of sea shells. This enchanting shape envelops the flavorful stuffing used to fill the shells.

  12 ounces or 330g

• Lemon juice

  Raw

  2 lemon yields or 94g

• Salt

  Table

  1 tsp or 6g

• Spinach

  Frozen, chopped or leaf, unprepared

  2 cup or 312g

• Basil

  Fresh

  1 tbsp, chopped or 3g

• Oregano

  Spices, dried

  3 tsp, ground or 5g

• Garlic

  Raw

  3 cloves, minced or 9g

• Pepper

  Spices, black

  1 tbsp or 6g

• Pasta sauce

  Spaghetti/marinara, ready-to-serve

  4 cup or 1.03kg

• Bread crumbs

  Dry, grated, plain

  ¼ cup or 27g

Directions

1. Place 2 cups raw cashews in a large bowl and cover with water by a few inches. Soak for at least 6 hours or overnight.
2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
3. Start by bring a large pot of water to a boil and add salt. Cook the box of jumbo shells as directed. It should make more than 21 shells but that’s okay. It’s good to have extra in case some break. Strain the shells, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
4. Next make the cashew cheese by draining and rinsing the cashews. Transfer them to a blender or a food processor, add the lemon juice and one teaspoon of salt. Blend on high until smooth with a texture similar to ricotta cheese. You may need to use a spatula to scrape down the sides in between blending. Spoon the cashew cheese out into a large bowl and set aside.
5. Once the frozen spinach has defrosted, place it in a strainer. Fold a few paper towels together and use them to press on top of the spinach so that the excess water strains out of the bottom. Repeat this step until the spinach is mostly dry. Add it to the bowl with cashew cheese along with the dried herbs, minced garlic, and a dash of salt and pepper then stir everything together until well-combined.
6. Pour 1/2 of the marinara over the bottom of a 9x13” baking dish. Using a spoon, scoop the cashew spinach mixture into each shell and arrange them in the baking dish. Spoon the remaining marinara on top and sprinkle with panko breadcrumbs, then cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the oven for 35 minutes.
7. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Top with fresh parsley, serve warm and enjoy!
8. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days or freeze before baking for up to one month.

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