Cannelloni with spinach and cheese

Cannelloni with Spinach and Cheese: A Delicious and Nutritious Delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Who doesn’t love a dish that combines the rich flavor of spinach with the creaminess of cheese? Cannelloni with spinach and cheese is a recipe that will not only bring a delicious dish to your table but also a touch of health. This stuffed pasta dish is ideal for a family dinner as well as for special occasions. Moreover, it is a simple, quick, and budget-friendly recipe, perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks.

A bit of history: Cannelloni are Italian pasta that were invented in southern Europe, quickly becoming a popular dish worldwide. These pasta tubes are perfect for being filled with various combinations, and spinach with cheese is just one of the many delicious variations.

Ingredients:
- 1 pack of cannelloni (approximately 18 tubes)
- 1 kg fresh spinach (or frozen, if you have nothing else on hand)
- 1 bunch of green onions (or 1 small onion, chopped)
- 1 egg
- 200 g cheese (150 g for filling and 50 g for topping)
- 1 can of diced tomatoes (approximately 400 g)
- 100 g cherry tomatoes (for decoration)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste

Necessary utensils:
- Pot for boiling spinach
- Strainer
- Pan for sautéing
- Bowl for mixing
- Baking dish
- Grater
- Fork

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the spinach:
Start by cleaning and washing the spinach thoroughly. It is important to remove all impurities, and this is best done in several waters. Once washed, boil it in a pot of salted water. Let it boil for 2-3 minutes or until it becomes soft. After boiling, drain it well in a strainer to remove excess water.

2. Sautéing the onion:
While the spinach cools, take a pan and add the two tablespoons of oil. Sauté the finely chopped onion over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it becomes transparent and slightly golden (about 3-4 minutes). It is important not to let it burn, as this could give an unwanted bitterness to the dish.

3. Mixing the ingredients:
Once the spinach has cooled, chop it finely and add it to the sautéed onion. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture cool slightly. Then, add 150 g of grated cheese and the beaten egg. Mix all the ingredients well until evenly combined.

4. Preparing the tomato sauce:
Open the can of diced tomatoes and crush them with a fork in a bowl. This will be the base sauce for the cannelloni. It is a simple yet tasty sauce that will add juiciness to the dish.

5. Assembling the cannelloni:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. In a greased baking dish, place half of the tomato sauce. Fill each cannelloni tube with the spinach and cheese mixture, using a spoon or a filling device if you have one. Place the filled cannelloni on top of the sauce in the dish. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the cannelloni and sprinkle the other 50 g of grated cheese on top.

6. Decorating and baking:
Decorate with halved cherry tomatoes, beautifully arranged on top of the dish. These will add a splash of color and freshness. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the cheese on top becomes golden and crispy.

7. Serving:
After the cannelloni are done, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. You can accompany this dish with a fresh green salad or a tomato and onion salad, which will balance the rich flavor of the dish. A glass of dry white wine or well-chilled tomato juice is perfect to complete the meal.

Useful tips:
- Fresh vs. frozen spinach: If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it well before using.
- Vegetarian option: You can also add other vegetables to the filling, such as mushrooms or zucchini.
- For an even more intense flavor: You can add aromatic herbs like basil or oregano to the tomato sauce.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of cheese? Absolutely! You can experiment with mozzarella or ricotta for a different texture.
- How long can I keep cannelloni in the fridge? Cooked, they can be kept in the fridge for 2-3 days, but it is recommended to consume them as fresh as possible.

Nutritional benefits:
Spinach is an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron. Combined with cheese, which provides protein and calcium, this dish is not only tasty but also very nutritious.

Calories:
A serving of cannelloni with spinach and cheese has approximately 450-500 calories, depending on the amount of cheese and oil used.

In conclusion, cannelloni with spinach and cheese is a recipe that combines culinary tradition with healthy ingredients, offering a delicious and filling dish. Whether you prepare it for yourself or for your loved ones, I am sure it will bring smiles and compliments to your table. Happy cooking!

 Ingredients: 1 package of cannelloni or 18 tubes, 1 kg of spinach, 1 bunch of green onions, 1 egg, 200 g of cheese (150 g inside + 50 g outside), 1 can of diced tomatoes, 100 g of cherry tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of oil, salt, pepper

 Tags:  cannelloni with spinach and cheese cannelloni spinach cheese paste delaco