Cannelloni with cheese

Cannelloni with Cheese and Ham: An Italian Delicacy Cooked with Love

Are you looking for a delicious and hearty recipe for a special dinner? Cannelloni with cheese and ham is the perfect choice! This classic Italian dish combines tubular pasta filled with a fine cheese cream, covered with a creamy béchamel sauce, all baked to achieve a golden and appetizing crust. Additionally, it is a versatile recipe, easily adaptable to personal preferences. Let’s embark on this culinary adventure!

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the cannelloni:
- 6-7 pieces of cannelloni
- 300 g feta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 150 g diced chicken ham
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Pepper, to taste
- 50 g grated parmesan or cheese for baking

For the béchamel sauce:
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 1 tablespoon of flour
- 200 ml milk
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste

The Story Behind the Recipe

Cannelloni is a traditional Italian recipe that dates back centuries. This dish became popular due to its versatility, being filled with various ingredients, from meat to vegetables and cheeses. Today, I offer you a version with cheese and ham, perfect for a weekend meal or a special occasion.

Preparing the Cheese Cream

1. Mash the cheese: In a bowl, place the feta cheese and mash it with a fork or mixer until you obtain a fine consistency.
2. Add the ham: Incorporate the diced ham into the mashed cheese. This will add a savory flavor and pleasant texture.
3. Season: Add the finely chopped parsley and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. If desired, you can also add some chopped green onions or finely chopped mushrooms for extra flavor.

Preparing the Béchamel Sauce

1. Melt the butter: In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat, being careful not to burn it.
2. Add the flour: Once the butter is fully melted, add the flour and mix vigorously with a spatula or whisk to form a roux. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes.
3. Incorporate the milk: Gradually pour in the milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Continue to stir until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
4. Season: Finally, add salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, then remove from heat.

Preparing the Cannelloni

1. Boil the cannelloni: In a large pot, add 1 liter of water with a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the cannelloni and boil for 2-3 minutes. This will help soften the pasta, making it easier to fill.
2. Cool: Carefully remove the cannelloni and run them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Place them on a platter.

Assembling the Dish

1. Fill the cannelloni: Place the cheese cream in a plastic bag, cut off a corner, and fill each cannelloni tube with the cheese and ham mixture.
2. Prepare the baking dish: In a baking dish, add a thin layer of béchamel sauce on the bottom.
3. Place the cannelloni: Arrange the filled cannelloni on top of the sauce, then cover with the remaining béchamel sauce.
4. Bake: Sprinkle the grated parmesan or cheese on top and place the dish in a preheated oven at 180°C. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden and crispy.

Serving

After removing the dish from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Serve the cannelloni with a fresh green salad or crunchy bread to complete the meal.

Practical Tips

- Variations: You can experiment with different fillings, such as spinach and ricotta or ground meat. You can also add spices like nutmeg or garlic for extra flavor.
- Cook ahead: Cannelloni can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, then placed in the oven before serving.
- Recommended drinks: This dish pairs perfectly with a dry white wine or a refreshing lemonade.

Nutritional Benefits

This recipe brings together the proteins from cheese and ham, the carbohydrates from pasta, and the vitamins from parsley. Feta cheese is an excellent source of calcium, while parsley provides antioxidants and essential vitamins.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other types of cheese? Absolutely! You can use mozzarella, cottage cheese, or any other type of cheese you prefer.
- How can I tell if the cannelloni are cooked? Check if they are tender and easy to cut with a fork, but do not overcook them to avoid falling apart.
- Can I freeze the dish? Yes, it is perfect for freezing. Make sure to cover it well to avoid freezer burn.

Cannelloni with cheese and ham is more than just a recipe; it is a culinary experience that brings family and friends together at the table. With every bite, you will feel the traditional taste and the love invested in preparing this dish. So, embrace the art of cooking and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen!

 Ingredients: 6-7 pieces of cannelloni, 300 g feta cheese, 150 g chicken ham, parsley, pepper, grated parmesan or cheese. Bechamel sauce: 1 tablespoon butter, 1 tablespoon flour, 200 ml milk, salt, pepper.

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