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Cannelloni





Homemade Cannelloni Recipe

Description

Cannelloni is a beloved Italian pasta dish featuring large tubes of pasta filled with a savory mixture, typically of meat or cheese, then baked in a rich tomato sauce. This recipe provides a delightful combination of creamy ricotta, flavorful spinach, and a robust tomato sauce, making it a perfect dish for family dinners or special occasions. Its versatility allows for endless variations, catering to both vegetarians and meat lovers.

Ingredients – Cannelloni

For the Filling:

  • 1 lb (450g) ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tomato Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly:

  • 12 cannelloni tubes (uncooked)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions Step-by-Step for Making Cannelloni

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

  1. Cook the Spinach:
    • In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach and sauté until wilted. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
  2. Mix the Filling:
    • In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, minced garlic, ground nutmeg, and the cooked spinach. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.

Step 2: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

  1. Sauté the Aromatics:
    • In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  2. Simmer the Sauce:
    • Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce to the saucepan. Stir in the dried basil and oregano. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Assemble the Cannelloni

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Fill the Cannelloni Tubes:
    • Using a piping bag or a spoon, fill each uncooked cannelloni tube with the ricotta and spinach mixture. Be sure to fill them generously, but not so much that the filling spills out.
  3. Layer the Dish:
    • Spread a layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom of a large baking dish. Arrange the filled cannelloni tubes in a single layer over the sauce. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the cannelloni, ensuring each tube is well covered.
  4. Top with Cheese:
    • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the saucy cannelloni.

Step 4: Bake and Serve

  1. Bake the Cannelloni:
    • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
  2. Garnish and Serve:
    • Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Tips and Variations for Cannelloni

Tips for Perfect Cannelloni

  • Prevent Overcooking:
    • If you’re using fresh spinach, ensure it is thoroughly wilted but not overcooked, to maintain a good texture in the filling.
  • Smooth Filling:
    • For a smoother filling, you can blend the ricotta mixture until creamy before filling the cannelloni tubes.
  • Extra Flavor:
    • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce for a bit of heat.

Variations

  • Meat Filling:
    • Substitute the spinach with 1 lb of cooked ground beef or sausage for a meaty version. Combine with ricotta and season as desired.
  • Vegetarian Delight:
    • Add finely chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the spinach filling for extra vegetables and flavor.
  • Cheese Lovers:
    • Mix different types of cheese like mozzarella and provolone into the filling for a richer taste.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Preparation Time: 30 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 18g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 800mg

Curiosities and Historical Facts about Cannelloni

Origins of Cannelloni

Cannelloni, which means “large reeds” in Italian, is a traditional pasta dish that dates back to the early 1900s. The dish originated in Italy and has become a staple in Italian cuisine, known for its versatility and the ability to hold a variety of fillings. The concept of stuffing pasta dates back even further, with similar recipes found in ancient Roman cookbooks.

Evolution of the Recipe

Originally, cannelloni was made by rolling fresh pasta sheets around a filling. With the advent of dried pasta, cannelloni tubes became more popular and convenient. This shift allowed the dish to become more accessible and easier to prepare, leading to its widespread popularity.

Cultural Significance

Cannelloni is often associated with festive occasions and family gatherings in Italy. It’s a dish that brings people together, embodying the Italian tradition of communal dining and shared meals. Over the years, it has also become popular in other parts of the world, often adapted to include local ingredients and flavors.

Interesting Facts – Cannelloni

  • Homemade Pasta:
    • Traditional cannelloni recipes often call for homemade pasta sheets, which are rolled and filled before baking.
  • Versatility:
    • Cannelloni can be filled with a wide range of ingredients, from meat and cheese to vegetables and seafood, making it a versatile dish suitable for various dietary preferences.
  • Popularity Abroad:
    • In countries like Argentina and Uruguay, cannelloni is a popular dish due to the large Italian immigrant communities. It’s often prepared for Sunday family dinners.

The Science Behind the Dish

Cannelloni’s appeal lies in its combination of textures and flavors. The creamy ricotta filling contrasts with the tangy tomato sauce, while the pasta provides a satisfying bite. Baking the dish allows the flavors to meld together, creating a harmonious and comforting meal. The use of cheese both inside and on top of the cannelloni adds a rich, savory element that enhances the overall taste.