Cannelloni alla Bolognese with Bechamel sauce

Cannelloni alla Bolognese with Bechamel Sauce

Welcome to a culinary journey that will take you to the heart of gastronomy! Today we will prepare a delicious dish, full of flavors and textures: Cannelloni alla Bolognese with Bechamel sauce. This recipe is perfect for a special dinner or to impress family and friends. Cannelloni are pasta tubes filled with a savory mixture, and the Bechamel sauce adds a creamy and rich touch. Let’s get started!

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 50 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
- Servings: 4

Ingredients
For the cannelloni
- 250 g cannelloni
- 150 g grated Parmesan cheese (or other cheese)

For the Bolognese sauce
- 500 g ground pork and beef (or mixed ground meat)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 200 g kaiser sausage
- 1 red onion
- 2 green onions
- 1 large carrot
- ½ bell pepper
- ½ celery
- 5-6 cloves of garlic
- 200 ml chopped tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 100 g tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 bunch of chopped fresh parsley
- Salt, pepper, and Italian spices to taste

For the Bechamel sauce
- 800 ml boiled milk
- 100 g butter
- 2-3 tablespoons flour
- Ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper

Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Bolognese sauce
1. Start by finely chopping the green onion and red onion. Grate the carrot and celery, and cut the kaiser and bell pepper into small cubes.
2. In a large skillet, add the two tablespoons of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the kaiser cubes and sauté until golden.
3. Once the kaiser is browned, add the ground meat gradually. It should cook evenly. Stir occasionally to avoid lumps.
4. Add the grated carrot and celery, minced garlic, tomato paste, and chopped tomatoes. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, until the aroma intensifies.
5. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, oregano, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix well and let the sauce cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Bechamel sauce
1. In another skillet, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, add the flour and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes, until the flour changes color slightly.
2. Remove the skillet from the heat and gradually add the boiled milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
3. Place the skillet back on the heat and let the sauce simmer, stirring, until it thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Cover the sauce to prevent a skin from forming and keep it warm.

Step 3: Prepare the cannelloni
1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil with a teaspoon of salt. When the water is boiling, add the cannelloni and let them cook for 4 minutes. It’s important not to overcook them, as they may break.
2. Drain the cannelloni and rinse them under cold running water. Let them drain well.
3. Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each cannelloni with the prepared Bolognese sauce.

Step 4: Assemble and bake
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. In a greased ovenproof dish sprinkled with breadcrumbs, add a ladle of Bechamel sauce to cover the bottom.
2. Place the filled cannelloni side by side, without overlapping them. Continue adding until all the cannelloni are in the dish.
3. Pour the remaining Bechamel sauce on top and sprinkle with grated Parmesan. You can also add some paprika for extra color.
4. Bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and appetizing.

Serving
Cannelloni alla Bolognese can be served hot, straight from the oven. You can add some fresh basil leaves for a special touch and a fresh aroma. Additionally, a spoonful of homemade ketchup can complement the taste of this dish.

Personal Tip
If you want to add a personal touch, you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or ricotta, for a creamier taste. You can also add vegetables to the Bolognese sauce, such as mushrooms or zucchini, for a savory vegetarian option.

Nutritional Information
This recipe is a good source of protein due to the meat and cheese, while the Bechamel sauce adds a considerable amount of calcium. Each serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 600-700 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Fat: 30 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use whole grain pasta for the cannelloni?
Yes, you can use whole grain cannelloni for a healthier option. Cooking time may vary.

2. What can I use instead of ground meat?
For a vegetarian option, you can use ground soy or chopped vegetables.

3. How can I store leftovers?
Cannelloni can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days in an airtight container. You can reheat them in the oven.

I hope this recipe for Cannelloni alla Bolognese with Bechamel sauce will bring you not only culinary satisfaction but also pleasant moments with your loved ones. Enjoy your meal!