Cannelloni with chicken meat

Italian Sarmale: Cannelloni with Chicken and Mozzarella

Dear food lovers, today we celebrate a special day - March 8th, International Women's Day, with a delicious and love-filled recipe: cannelloni stuffed with chicken and fresh mozzarella. This recipe, which I call "Italian sarmale", will bring a touch of joy and flavor to your meals. Whether you prepare it for a family lunch or a special dinner, the result will always be impressive.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients

For the salsa (tomato sauce):
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 bottle of passata (about 680 g, I recommend Cirio Passata di Pomodoro)
- 250 ml water
- Salt, pepper, oregano (to taste)
- A little oil for frying

For the filling composition:
- 800 g ground chicken or turkey
- 200 g pressed ham, finely chopped
- 250 g fresh mozzarella, chopped
- 1 egg
- 2 boxes of cannelloni (about 500 g)
- 200 g grated cheese

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preparing the salsa
Start by heating a little oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes slightly golden, being careful not to burn it. This step is essential, as the sautéed onion will give a deeper flavor to the salsa.
After the onion is ready, add the passata and 250 ml of water. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano to taste. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The ideal consistency is that of a slightly thicker sauce.

2. Preparing the filling
In a large bowl, combine the chicken, pressed ham, fresh mozzarella, and egg. Mix well until homogeneous; this egg will help the mixture bind well, so it doesn’t fall apart during baking.
Now comes the more meticulous but satisfying part: fill each cannelloni tube with the meat mixture. Use a spoon or a special filling device if you have one. Don’t rush, each cannelloni deserves to be filled with love!

3. Assembly
In a high baking dish, add a ladle of salsa to the bottom, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Place the stuffed cannelloni across the entire surface of the dish, being careful not to overlap.
Pour the remaining salsa over the cannelloni and generously sprinkle the grated cheese. Add another layer of cannelloni, followed by salsa and cheese, to create a delicious crust.

4. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat). Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until the cheese on top turns golden and bubbly.

Practical Tips and Variations

- Choosing the meat: You can use turkey or chicken, depending on your preferences. If you want a vegetarian version, you can use a combination of chopped vegetables and ricotta cheese.
- Salsa: If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a pinch of chili or crushed red pepper flakes to the salsa. You can also add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an extra flavor boost.
- Serving: These cannelloni are delicious served with a crisp green salad and a glass of dry white wine. They also go wonderfully with crunchy bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Nutritional Benefits

This recipe provides a good source of protein from the meat and mozzarella, while tomatoes bring antioxidants like lycopene, beneficial for heart health. Additionally, mozzarella is rich in calcium, essential for bone health.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use whole wheat pasta? Absolutely! Whole wheat cannelloni are a healthy and tasty choice.
- Can they be prepared in advance? Certainly! You can assemble the cannelloni a day ahead and keep them in the fridge until baking.
- What other dishes pair well with these cannelloni? A vegetable soup or a creamy risotto would be excellent accompaniments.

I encourage you to enjoy the cooking process, experiment, and add a personal touch to your recipe. These cannelloni with chicken and mozzarella are more than just a dish; they are a way to celebrate love, friendship, and culinary traditions. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 800 g minced chicken or turkey meat, 2 cans of cannelloni (500 g), 200 g pressed ham, 250 g fresh mozzarella, 200 g cheese, 1 egg, a bottle of tomato puree (e.g. Cirio Passata di pomodoro 680g), 1 onion, a little oil for frying, salt, pepper, oregano to taste, 250 ml water.

 Tags:  cannelloni with chicken