Monday, October 4, 2010

snooki

As I have told you, I recently discovered my slow cooker. This whole set it and forget it world is a very new and exciting thing for me. With just a bit of planning on days when I know I am going to have a crazy afternoon, I can come home to a ready made meal for me and the carnivore. Just the other day I made this real quick ravioli because I was taking our little guy to his check up late in the afternoon. I knew between the doctor visit and traffic I would be wiped out by the time we got home. So, I set up this simple meal and had it ready to go when we got back. I'm calling it Snooki because its easy and Italian...ha!

For this recipe you will need the following:
1 bag of frozen cheese ravioli 
1 16oz can of organic tomato sauce
1 16oz can of organic diced tomatoes
2 tblsp of olive oil
2 cloves of garlic, peeled and diced
1/4 cup of grated parmesan
Italian seasoning (basil, parsley, oregano) 
Kosher salt & freshly cracked pepper
1 cup of grated mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil (optional)

First, let me say I recommend going to your local Italian shop and getting the good stuff when it comes to the ravioli. It just tastes better. Plus, you get to support your local foodie establishments. Also, if you get a cheese and spinach variety you are sneaking one more veggie into your carnivore. 

So, to make this dish, start by turning your slow cooker on low. Add in the oil and garlic. Next add in the tomato sauce and the diced tomatoes. Season the mixture with Italian spices. I like to pick fresh herbs from my garden, but dried will do. Just remember you need less. We like a lot of basil in my house so I add a lot to my sauce but you can do whatever. Stir in the parmesan along with a bit of salt and pepper. Put in the ravioli and coat them thoroughly with the sauce. Let this cook for at least four hours. Then add in the mozzarella, because more cheese is always a plus in my book. Stir it in and continue to cook for another ten minutes or until it melts. Serve with a bit of freshly chopped basil if you have it on hand.

The results are fabulous saucy gooey good! And it takes hardly any time at all. Who doesn't need that on a hectic day? So whether you live on the Jersey Shore or not, this easy Italian dish is sure to hit the spot.

12 comments:

  1. this looks amazing! I love my slow cooker and easy recipes I can throw together in the morning. I will definitely be trying this one!

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  2. Hope you like it! Thanks for stopping by.

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  3. haha, love that you're calling it snooki!

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  4. Well, It is a bit orange in color...

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  5. I've got to make this! Love the name of your blog!

    -lynseysleeps.blogspot

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  6. Snooki is very good! What's more it was easy to make and fast, which for me is a plus because I work and have two children...so quick it best for me. Thank you for sharing - definitely will be making this one often!

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  7. This looks awesome and something I think my whole family will enjoy. I can't wait to make this soon. I need to get all the ingredients I need on my next grocery shopping day!

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  8. It is sooo easy, Lisa!
    Hope you enjoy it, Teri!

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  9. Made this tonight! It was so good and easy!!! Def be in our meal rotation! ;) thank you!

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  10. I'm such an awful cook I have to ask questions on a slow cooker recipe.;-) could I put in fresh ravioli and cook it all day? I don't live close to work so it would have to go on at 8 am and I don't get back until like after 6.

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  11. Beth - id be worried about fresh (not frozen) ravioli for that long. It all of course depends on your slow cooker. If yours doesn't have a timer (mine doesn't) you could use a plug in timer. Have it start about four hours before you get home. And set it on low. Hope that helps / works!

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