Cannelloni with meat
Cannelloni with Meat: A Delicious Recipe for Special Moments
Cannelloni with meat is a recipe that combines culinary tradition with the flavors of home-cooked meals. These pasta tubes filled with a rich mixture of meat and vegetables, covered with a creamy Bechamel sauce and melted cheese, are perfect for surprising family or friends at a special dinner. Moreover, each bite is an explosion of flavors, and preparing them can become a true pleasure.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4
Necessary ingredients:
- 10 cannelloni tubes (for a 20/20 cm tray)
- 150 g grated mozzarella
- ~300 g diced turkey breast
- 1 grated carrot
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove of garlic, crushed
- 2 peeled and diced tomatoes
- 1 egg
- 1 handful of chopped parsley
- a few fresh basil leaves, chopped
- salt and pepper, to taste
For the Bechamel sauce:
- 50 g butter
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 400 ml milk
- nutmeg, to taste
- salt and pepper, to taste
Preparing the Bechamel sauce:
1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. This is the base for a creamy and delicious Bechamel sauce.
2. Once the butter is melted, remove the saucepan from the heat and add the flour, continuously whisking to avoid lumps. It is essential to achieve a smooth paste.
3. Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly. Start with a little at a time to ensure perfect homogenization.
4. Place the saucepan back on the heat and continue stirring until the sauce begins to thicken.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg, then let it cool.
Preparing the filling:
1. In a food processor, add the diced turkey breast, grated carrot, chopped onion, crushed garlic, tomatoes, and herbs (parsley and basil).
2. Blend the ingredients until you obtain a smooth paste. Make sure it is not too fine; the texture should be slightly grainy to maintain consistency and intense flavors.
Filling the cannelloni:
1. Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill the cannelloni tubes with the meat mixture. Make sure each tube is well filled, but do not overfill, as the filling will expand during baking.
2. Place the filled cannelloni in a greased tray in a single layer.
Assembling the dish:
1. Pour the Bechamel sauce evenly over the cannelloni, ensuring that each tube is covered.
2. Sprinkle grated mozzarella on top, creating a generous layer that will melt and form a golden crust.
Baking:
1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
2. Bake the tray for 30 minutes or until the cheese turns golden and the sauce begins to bubble at the edges.
3. Once the cannelloni are ready, let them cool for a few minutes before serving, to stabilize the filling.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the cannelloni with a fresh green salad, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, to contrast with the richness of the dish. A quarter of a dry white wine can perfectly complement the other flavors.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, you can use chicken or pork, depending on your preferences. Additionally, a vegetarian version with cottage cheese and vegetables is delicious!
2. How can I make the Bechamel sauce lighter?
You can choose to use skim milk or a plant-based alternative to reduce calorie intake. Additionally, a whole wheat flour Bechamel sauce can add a healthier touch.
3. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the cannelloni a day ahead, covering them with plastic wrap and keeping them in the refrigerator. Bake them on the day you wish to serve them.
Nutritional benefits:
This cannelloni with meat recipe is rich in protein due to the turkey breast and cheese, while the vegetables add essential fiber to the diet. Moreover, the Bechamel sauce provides calcium and nutrients from milk.
Possible variations:
- Add spinach or grated zucchini to the filling for an extra touch of freshness.
- Experiment with different spices, such as oregano or rosemary, to personalize the flavor.
- Substitute mozzarella with goat cheese for a more intense and delicious taste.
With this cannelloni with meat recipe, you will bring a touch of warmth and joy to every meal. Cooking becomes a pleasant activity, and the final result will surely be appreciated by all your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: 10 cannelloni tubes (for a 20/20 cm dish) 150 g mozzarella ~300 g turkey breast 1 carrot 1 small onion 1 garlic clove 2 tomatoes 1 egg fresh parsley a few basil leaves salt and pepper For the Bechamel sauce: 50 g butter 2 tablespoons flour 400 ml milk nutmeg salt and pepper
