Cannelloni Recipe: A Delicious Italian Delight
Are you looking for a hearty, flavorful, and impressive pasta dish to make? Look no further than cannelloni! This classic Italian recipe is surprisingly easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring your cannelloni comes out perfectly every time. Let's get cooking!
What is Cannelloni?
Cannelloni are large, tube-shaped pasta shells, typically made from durum wheat semolina. Unlike smaller pasta shapes, these tubes are designed to be filled with a variety of delicious mixtures before baking in a rich sauce. This creates a satisfying and incredibly flavorful meal.
Ingredients for Classic Ricotta and Spinach Cannelloni
This recipe outlines a classic ricotta and spinach filling, but feel free to experiment with other fillings like mushroom, meat ragu, or even vegetables!
For the Filling:
- 15 oz (425g) fresh ricotta cheese
- 10 oz (280g) fresh spinach, blanched and squeezed dry
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 28 oz (794g) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Other:
- 1 package (12-15) jumbo cannelloni shells
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Step-by-Step Cannelloni Recipe Instructions
Preparing the Filling:
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the ricotta cheese, spinach, Parmesan cheese, egg, basil, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the filling watery.
Preparing the Sauce:
- Sauté aromatics: In a large saucepan, sauté the onion and garlic in a little olive oil until softened.
- Simmer the sauce: Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be!
Assembling and Baking the Cannelloni:
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Fill the cannelloni: Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully fill each cannelloni shell with the ricotta and spinach mixture. Don't overfill!
- Assemble in baking dish: Spread a thin layer of sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange the filled cannelloni in the dish, standing them upright.
- Cover with sauce and cheese: Pour the remaining sauce over the cannelloni, ensuring they are fully coated. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the cannelloni is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
- Rest: Let the cannelloni rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set and makes for easier serving.
Tips for Perfect Cannelloni
- Don't overfill the shells: Overfilled shells can burst during baking.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and high-quality ricotta cheese will make a big difference in the taste.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of herbs, salt, and pepper to suit your preferences.
- Make it ahead: The sauce can be made a day ahead of time, saving you time on the day you bake the cannelloni.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your delicious cannelloni hot, garnished with fresh basil or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. A simple side salad is a perfect accompaniment. Enjoy!
This recipe offers a delicious and satisfying meal, perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. Remember to adapt and experiment with different fillings and sauces to create your own unique cannelloni masterpiece!
