Bolognese Cannelloni

Cannelloni alla Bolognese: An Italian Delicacy at Home

Welcome to the delicious world of Italian cooking! Today, I will guide you step by step in preparing a dish that will remind you of family Sunday dinners - Cannelloni alla Bolognese. This dish is a perfect combination of delicious pasta filled with a rich meat sauce, topped with a creamy béchamel sauce and gratinated with cheese. It is a recipe that not only blends flavors and textures but also brings a touch of comfort in every bite.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:

For the cannelloni:
- 20 pieces of cannelloni pasta (preferably from a trusted brand, such as Piaccelli)
- 100 g of telemea cheese or grated cheese

For the Bolognese sauce:
- 450 g of meat (a combination of 2/3 boneless chicken breast and 1/3 lean pork shoulder)
- 1 small carrot
- 1 small onion
- 1 medium celery
- 1 red bell pepper
- 5-6 cloves of garlic
- 100 ml of olive oil
- 1 small glass of red wine (optional but recommended for depth of flavor)
- 400 g of peeled tomatoes in juice (or fresh tomatoes, depending on the season)
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 250 ml of water
- salt, pepper, oregano, sweet paprika, 1 bay leaf

For the béchamel sauce:
- 500 ml of milk
- 50 g of butter
- 2 tablespoons of flour

Preparing the Bolognese sauce:

1. Start by preparing the vegetables. Finely chop the onion and bell pepper, and grate the carrot and celery.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped vegetables and sauté under a lid for 5-7 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent.
3. Add the sliced garlic and stir. After 1-2 minutes, add the minced meat. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the meat changes color.
4. Add the peeled tomatoes, mashed with a fork, along with the tomato paste. Mix well, then add the water and spices. Let the sauce simmer over low heat for 25-30 minutes. Here, the secret is patience; the longer it simmers, the more intense the flavors become!

Preparing the béchamel sauce:

1. In a pot, melt the butter over low heat. Add the flour and stir for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, which will give the sauce consistency.
2. Gradually pour in the milk, constantly stirring with a whisk to avoid lumps. Allow the sauce to come to a boil for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes creamy. Once it reaches the desired consistency, let it cool slightly.

Filling the cannelloni:

1. After the Bolognese sauce has cooled slightly, take a spoonful and fill each cannelloni. You can also use a piping bag or pastry syringe to make filling easier.
2. Grease a baking dish with oil or butter and carefully arrange the filled cannelloni in the dish. Cover them with the remaining Bolognese sauce and pour the béchamel sauce over them, ensuring they are well covered.
3. Sprinkle the grated cheese on top, which will make everything even tastier!

Cooking the cannelloni:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (medium to high).
2. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese becomes golden and crispy.
3. Once done, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the sauces to stabilize.

Serving and suggestions:

Serving is a special moment! You can add a fresh arugula salad or a mix of green salads with lemon dressing to balance the richness of the cannelloni. A glass of red wine, which was used in cooking, will perfectly complement the meal.

Notes and useful tips:

- You can experiment with various types of meat or even vegetables to make a vegetarian version.
- If you want an even more flavorful sauce, add some fresh herbs like basil or parsley at the end.
- A creative idea is to add some black olives or capers to the Bolognese sauce for a Mediterranean taste.
- If you have leftover béchamel sauce, you can use it for other dishes like lasagna or moussaka.

Approximate nutritional information per serving:
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Fat: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can replace cannelloni with lasagna or other types of pasta, but the cooking time may change.

2. How can I make the Bolognese sauce easier?
If you're in a hurry, you can use pre-ground meat or store-bought tomato sauces, but the flavors won't be as intense.

3. What other recipes can I try with béchamel sauce?
Besides cannelloni, you can use béchamel sauce for lasagna, vegetable gratins, or even for making a delicious quiche.

Now that you have all this information, it's time to start cooking! Cannelloni alla Bolognese is a recipe that will not only satisfy your taste buds but will also bring a sense of joy and community around the table. Bon appétit!