Cannelloni in tomato sauce

Cannelloni in Tomato Sauce – A Recipe that Combines Flavor and Tradition in a Delicious Dish

Cannelloni in tomato sauce is a dish that has won the hearts of many with its perfect combination of flavors and textures. This recipe is not just a simple meal, but a true culinary experience that takes us back to family gatherings, festive moments, and the joy of sharing a savory dish. Preparing cannelloni is an art, and today I will guide you step by step in making this wonderful dish.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 5

Ingredients

For the filling:
- 1 box of cannelloni (Barilla pasta tubes, 250 g)
- 500 g cottage cheese
- 100 g lightly salted cheese
- 20 green olives, pitted and chopped
- 1 bunch of fresh dill or za'atar
- A pinch of nutmeg

For the tomato sauce:
- 1 can of diced tomatoes (400 g)
- 4-5 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 1 glass of water (approximately 250 ml)
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon of sugar (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
- Pepper, to taste
- Dried oregano and basil, to preference

For the gratin:
- 200 g parmesan or other yellow cheese, grated

History of the Recipe

Cannelloni is an Italian dish known for its varied fillings and rich sauces. These pasta tubes were originally designed to be filled with meat, vegetables, or cheeses, and tomato sauces became a popular choice due to their intense flavors that perfectly complement the filling. The dish has evolved over time, becoming a symbol of family meals filled with love and flavor.

Preparing the Tomato Sauce

1. Heat the olive oil
In a deep pot, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Olive oil not only adds flavor but also helps with the absorption of vitamins from the tomatoes.

2. Add the garlic
Put the crushed garlic cloves in the hot oil and sauté for about 1 minute, until golden. Be careful not to burn them, as burnt garlic can give a bitter taste to the sauce.

3. Add the tomatoes and tomato paste
Add the diced tomatoes and tomato paste, mixing well. These ingredients are essential for a tasty and aromatic tomato sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes.

4. Season the sauce
Add the water, salt, a tablespoon of sugar, pepper, oregano, and dried basil. Let the sauce simmer over medium heat until it starts to reduce slightly and thicken. It is important that the sauce is well-seasoned, so don't hesitate to adjust the spices to your taste.

Preparing the Filling for Cannelloni

1. Mix the cheeses
In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese, lightly salted cheese, chopped olives, dill or za'atar, and a pinch of nutmeg. Nutmeg adds a warm note to the filling, which will contrast wonderfully with the tomato sauce.

2. Fill the cannelloni tubes
Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each cannelloni tube with the cheese mixture. Make sure each tube is filled evenly, but do not overfill, so they do not burst during baking.

Assembling and Baking the Cannelloni

1. Prepare the baking dish
In a large Pyrex dish, pour some of the tomato sauce on the bottom of the dish to prevent the cannelloni from sticking. This will make each bite full of flavor.

2. Arrange the cannelloni
Place the filled cannelloni tubes in a single layer, leaving a little space between them to allow the sauce to penetrate.

3. Cover with sauce
Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the cannelloni, ensuring they are completely covered. This will help maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

4. Sprinkle with cheese
Add the grated cheese on top to achieve a golden and crispy crust. The cheese will melt and brown beautifully in the oven.

5. Bake the cannelloni
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius. Bake for 30 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil to allow the cheese to brown. This step is essential for achieving that crispy texture on top.

6. Rest and serve
After baking, let the cannelloni rest in the turned-off oven for 5-10 minutes. This will help consolidate the flavors and make portioning easier.

Useful Tips

- Choose ingredients carefully: Use quality fresh cheese, as this will influence the final taste of the dish. Cottage cheese can be replaced with ricotta for a creamier texture.
- Season the sauce to taste: Don’t hesitate to adjust the spices according to your personal preferences. Adding fresh herbs can bring an extra layer of flavor.
- Experiment with the filling: You can add spinach, mushrooms, or ground meat to the cheese mixture for a varied filling.
- Reheating: Leftover cannelloni can be reheated in the microwave or oven, keeping them just as delicious as the day they were made.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole grain pasta?
Of course! Whole grain pasta adds extra fiber and nutrients, making the dish healthier.

2. How can I make the tomato sauce spicier?
Adding some chili flakes or hot sauce to the tomato sauce can bring a touch of heat.

3. How long can the cannelloni be stored?
Cannelloni can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Make sure to cover them well to prevent drying out.

4. What can I serve with the cannelloni?
These cannelloni can be served with a fresh green salad, a light vinaigrette, or with crusty homemade bread.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

A serving of cannelloni in tomato sauce (approximately 200 grams) contains about 350-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used. They provide a good source of protein from the cheese, carbohydrates from the pasta, and vitamins from the tomato sauce. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, and olives add healthy fats.

Personal Note

The recipe for cannelloni in tomato sauce is not just a simple dish, but a way to bring family and friends to the table. I recommend preparing it together with loved ones, turning cooking into a pleasant and memorable experience. I encourage you to experiment with ingredients, to bring a touch of your creativity to each dish, and to discover new combinations that pleasantly surprise you!

So, embrace the art of cooking, enjoy every step of the process, and let yourself be carried away by the wonderful aroma of cannelloni in tomato sauce!

 Ingredients: 5 servings 1 box of cannelloni - pasta tubes for stuffing - Barilla 500 g cottage cheese 100 g slightly salted cheese 20 green olives without pits, finely chopped a little dill or za'atar a pinch of nutmeg for the sauce 1 box of diced tomatoes 400 g 4-5 tablespoons of broth 2-3 cloves of garlic 1 glass of water 200 g of Parmesan or another yellow cheese.