Cannelloni with béchamel sauce

Cannelloni with Bechamel Sauce: An Italian Delicacy Cooked with Love

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Cannelloni with Bechamel sauce is an excellent choice for a hearty lunch or dinner, perfect for weekends when you have more time to enjoy cooking. These "Italian rolls," as I like to call them, are filled with a delicious combination of meat and cheese, covered with a creamy Bechamel sauce and served with a flavorful tomato sauce. In this recipe, I will provide you with all the necessary details to achieve a perfect result, along with useful tips and variations to customize this recipe.

Ingredients needed

For the cannelloni filling:
- 2 pieces of chopped chicken breast (about 1 kg)
- 1.5 boxes of cannelloni
- 200 g cheese (choose a well-melting cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella)
- 2 eggs
- 8 slices of chicken ham
- A pinch of salt

For the Bechamel sauce:
- 250 ml whole milk
- 20 g butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- A pinch of grated nutmeg (optional, but recommended for a sophisticated taste)

For the tomato sauce:
- 6 cloves of garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 heaping tablespoons of tomato paste
- 400 ml water
- Oregano, salt, and pepper to taste

Preparing the filling

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by dicing the chicken ham. It is important to choose a quality ham, which will add extra flavor to the filling.

2. Mixing the filling: In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken breast, diced ham, grated cheese, eggs, and a pinch of salt. Use a spatula to mix all the ingredients well, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

3. Filling the cannelloni: Using a spoon or a filling device, fill each cannelloni with the mixture obtained. Make sure they are well filled, but without overloading them.

Preparing the Bechamel sauce

1. Boiling the milk: In a saucepan, bring the milk to a simmer over low heat. It is essential not to boil it too hard to avoid forming foam.

2. Preparing the roux: In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and quickly whisk for about 5 seconds. It is important not to leave the flour on the heat too long, as it should not change color.

3. Creating the Bechamel sauce: Gradually pour the boiled milk over the butter and flour mixture, continuing to whisk. Cook the sauce over low heat until it becomes creamy and glossy. You can add a pinch of salt and grated nutmeg for a more intense flavor.

Preparing the tomato sauce

1. Sautéing the garlic: In a pan, add the olive oil and sauté the finely chopped garlic until it turns golden, being careful not to burn it.

2. Adding the tomato paste: Incorporate the tomato paste into the pan and mix well, allowing it to fry for 1-2 minutes.

3. Boiling the sauce: Add water, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste, letting the sauce simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes.

Assembling and baking

1. Preparing the baking dish: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. In a deep baking dish, pour half of the tomato sauce on the bottom.

2. Placing the cannelloni: Place the filled cannelloni on top of the tomato sauce. Sprinkle a bit of the remaining cheese on top.

3. Adding the rest of the sauce: Pour the remaining tomato sauce and add another layer of cannelloni.

4. Finishing with the Bechamel sauce: Cover everything with the Bechamel sauce, sprinkling the remaining cheese on top.

5. Baking: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes on low heat. It is ready when the surface becomes golden and crispy.

Serving

After removing the cannelloni from the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before slicing. This pause will help stabilize the filling, allowing you to serve beautiful portions. You can add a few fresh basil leaves on top for a colorful appearance and extra aroma.

Practical tips

- Filling variations: You can experiment with other ingredients in the filling, such as spinach, mushrooms, or ricotta, to create a vegetarian version.
- Richer Bechamel sauce: Add a bit of grated Parmesan cheese to the Bechamel sauce for an even more intense flavor.
- Serving: These cannelloni pair perfectly with a fresh green salad, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Nutritional information

This cannelloni recipe with Bechamel sauce offers approximately 600 calories per serving but is rich in protein due to the chicken and eggs. The cheese provides calcium and healthy fats, while the tomato sauce contributes antioxidants from tomatoes, benefiting health positively.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use store-bought cannelloni? Yes, it is an excellent option to save time. Make sure to follow the instructions on the package for preparation.

2. Can I prepare the recipe in advance? Absolutely! You can assemble the cannelloni a day ahead, and the next day bake them.

3. What drinks pair well with these cannelloni? A dry white wine or a rosé are excellent choices to accompany this meal.

Conclusion

Cannelloni with Bechamel sauce is a recipe that combines tradition with flavor, bringing to your table a delicious and hearty dish. Not only will you impress your family and friends with your cooking skills, but you will also add a touch of joy to every plate. So, get ready to enjoy an Italian feast at home! Bon appétit!