Stuffed Cannelloni Delicious and Practical Recipe

If you are looking for a tasty and easy to prepare recipe, Stuffed Cannelloni is an excellent choice. This classic Italian dish is perfect for impressing your guests at a special dinner or even for that Sunday family lunch.

With a succulent filling and delicate dough, cannelloni wins over palates wherever it goes. In this article, we will explore step by step how to prepare the best Stuffed Cannelloni, with valuable tips to ensure your dish turns out perfect.

In addition, we will discuss the origin of cannelloni, filling variations and tricks to optimize preparation.

The History of Cannelloni

Before we dive into the recipe, it’s interesting to understand the origins of this dish that has become a favorite in many cultures around the world.

O Stuffed Cannelloni has its roots in Italy, where it is known as “cannelloni,” which means “big tubes” in Italian.

The original recipe dates back to the 19th century, and its popularity quickly spread throughout Europe and America, gaining local adaptations.

Ingredients for the Perfect Stuffed Cannelloni

To prepare a Stuffed Cannelloni mouth-watering, you will need the following ingredients:

For the dough:

  • 500g of cannelloni pasta (can be bought ready-made or made at home)
  • Water to cook the pasta
  • Salt to taste

For the filling:

  • 500g ground beef or shredded chicken
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 200g ricotta (optional)
  • 100g grated parmesan cheese
  • Salt, pepper and seasonings to taste (such as oregano and nutmeg)

For the sauce:

  • 500ml tomato sauce
  • 200ml of cream
  • 1 tablespoon of butter
  • 100g grated mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil for garnish

Step by Step to Prepare Stuffed Cannelloni

  1. Preparing the Filling:
    • In a pan, heat the olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic until golden.
    • Add the ground beef or shredded chicken, season with salt, pepper and your favorite seasonings, and cook until the meat is completely cooked.
    • If desired, add ricotta to the filling, mixing well to incorporate all the ingredients.
    • Set the filling aside while you prepare the dough.
  2. Cooking the Pasta:
    • In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the cannelloni pasta until al dente.
    • Drain the pasta and let it cool slightly to make it easier to handle.
  3. Cannelloni Assembly:
    • On a clean surface, lay out each sheet of dough and place a portion of the filling in the center.
    • Roll the dough over the filling, forming small tubes, and place them on a buttered baking tray.
    • Repeat the process until all the dough and filling are used.
  4. Preparing the Sauce:
    • In a pan, melt the butter and add the tomato sauce.
    • Cook for a few minutes and then add the cream, stirring well to form a smooth sauce.
    • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Finishing the Dish:
    • Pour the prepared sauce over the cannelloni in the baking dish, covering them completely.
    • Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and grated parmesan over the sauce.
    • Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 20 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
  6. Serving:
    • Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
    • Garnish with fresh basil and serve. Stuffed Cannelloni still hot.

Tips for the Best Stuffed Cannelloni

  • Vary the Filling: Try replacing the ground beef or chicken with spinach and ricotta, sautéed mushrooms, or even a combination of cheeses for a vegetarian version.
  • Homemade Dough: If you have time and want something special, make your own cannelloni pasta at home. This will ensure a lighter texture and an unparalleled flavor.
  • Freezing: O Stuffed Cannelloni It can be frozen before baking. Just assemble the dish, cover it with plastic wrap and put it in the freezer. When you want to serve it, just take it out of the freezer and bake it directly in the oven.
  • White Sauce: For an extra touch of creaminess, add white sauce (béchamel) on top of the cannelloni before adding the tomato sauce.

Variations of Stuffed Cannelloni

One of the advantages of Stuffed Cannelloni is its versatility. Based on the traditional recipe, you can create several variations, adapting the dish to your taste and your family's preferences. Here are some ideas:

  • Spinach Cannelloni with Ricotta: A light and healthy option, perfect for those looking for a more balanced meal. Spinach combined with ricotta provides a creamy and tasty filling.
  • Cheese and Ham Cannelloni: For those who love classic flavors, this combination is unbeatable. The melted cheese and ham offer an explosion of flavor with every bite.
  • Chicken Cannelloni with Catupiry: This version is a favorite at Brazilian tables. The catupiry cheese gives an irresistible creaminess to the shredded chicken filling.
  • Cannelloni Bolognese: If you're a fan of Bolognese sauce, try stuffing your cannelloni with this succulent ground meat. A real treat!

Benefits of Stuffed Cannelloni

In addition to being an extremely tasty meal, the Stuffed Cannelloni also offers some nutritional benefits, depending on the ingredients chosen:

  • Protein Source: When prepared with meat, chicken or ricotta, cannelloni provides a good amount of protein, essential for muscle maintenance and tissue repair.
  • Variety of Nutrients: Adding vegetables to the filling, such as spinach or mushrooms, enriches the dish with vitamins and minerals, such as iron and potassium.
  • Comfort Food: Cannelloni is considered a “comfort food” dish, that is, it provides a feeling of satisfaction and well-being after the meal.

How to Innovate in the Presentation of Stuffed Cannelloni

Presentation is an important aspect that can further elevate the dining experience. Here are some suggestions to make your Stuffed Cannelloni even more attractive:

  • Herbal Decoration: Use basil, thyme or parsley leaves to add a touch of color to the dish.
  • Crispy Cheese: Add an extra layer of grated Parmesan cheese over the cannelloni in the last few minutes of baking to create a golden, crispy crust.
  • Colorful Sauce: Try making two types of sauce – one tomato and one spinach – and pour them in alternating layers over the cannelloni for a colorful and appetizing look.

Conclusion

Prepare a Stuffed Cannelloni It's a great way to surprise your friends and family with a delicious and comforting meal.

With its versatile fillings and the possibility of innovating in presentation, this dish adapts to different tastes and occasions. It is also a great option to freeze and always have on hand for a quick and tasty dinner.

Follow the tips and step-by-step instructions in this article to ensure that your Stuffed Cannelloni be an absolute success!

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