Fantasy Veggie Dinner Guest - MARLON BRANDO

Marlon Brando has been in some of my favourite films, including: On The Waterfront, A Streetcar Named Desire, The Godfather and One-Eyed Jacks.
We all know that Brando loved pasta.
Somebody: The Reckless Life and Remarkable Career of Marlon Brando by Stefan Kanfer, contains an account of a time when the man himself dined with JFK:
As Marlon attacked the pasta, Kennedy challenged him: 'Marlon, have you gained weight? Looks like you've put on a few.'
'Nary an ounce.'
'Kennedy grinned. "Then the CIA sent up some wrong information.'
Marlon bet the president that JFK weighed more than he did. A bathroom scale was brought into the room. Brando checked in at 187 pounds. Kennedy was eleven pounds lighter.
'Get some food into this man,' Marlon told the other guests. 'You can't lead the country at a hundred seventy-six.'

So, for Marlon, here is a very tasty pasta dish which would certainly help anyone to put on a few pounds.

SPINACH, ‘HAM’ AND RICOTTA CANNELLONI

serves 4

12 tubes dried cannelloni

5 slices ‘ham’

150g spinach

150g ricotta

½ red pepper, chopped finely

1 small red onion, chopped finely

1tbsp olive oil

1garlic clove, crushed

1 can chopped tomatoes

2 sundried tomatoes

1tbsp mixed herbs

salt and pepper
50g hard Italian cheese (vegetarian)

fresh basil leaves

Wash and drain the spinach. 

Place in a saucepan and stir until wilted.

Put in a bowl and add the ricotta.

Cut the vegetarian ham slices and add to the ricotta mixture. Season well.

Heat the oil and fry the onion and pepper. Add the garlic and cook for a minute more. 

Then add the chopped tomatoes and the mixed herbs. Season to taste.

Slice the sundried tomatoes finely and add to the sauce.

Place a ladleful of sauce into a dish.

Either use a spoon, or (as I did) place ricotta mixture in a bag and cut the corner. Fill each tube.

When all are filled, place in the dish.

Pour over the rest of the tomato sauce.

Grate the hard cheese over the top.

Cook at Gas 5/ 190°C/ 375°F for 25-30 minutes until the pasta is soft and the sauce is bubbling.

Serve with basil leaves.