Cannelloni with cheese and herbs

Cannelloni with Cheese and Greens

Are you looking for a delicious meal that combines tradition with fresh ingredients? I invite you to prepare these delightful cannelloni with cheese and greens, a dish that will delight both your taste buds and your eyes. It's a simple yet special recipe that can become the star of your table. Let's discover together how to prepare it!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

For the cannelloni:
- 10 cannelloni tubes
- 350 g cottage cheese
- 2 green onions
- A handful of fresh dill
- A handful of fresh parsley
- 2 eggs
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the bechamel sauce:
- 550 ml milk (preferably warm)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste

Recipe Story

Cannelloni is a pasta dish that has gained popularity due to its versatility. Its origins are found in the culinary traditions of stuffed pasta, and today they are appreciated worldwide. The recipe we will prepare today combines cheese with fresh greens, creating a symphony of flavors that will bring a touch of joy to every plate.

Step by step: Preparing the cannelloni

1. Prepare the ingredients:
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure to have fresh cottage cheese, crunchy green onions, and aromatic greens. These will add not only flavor but also color to your dish.

2. Fill the cannelloni:
In a bowl, place the cottage cheese. Clean and wash the green onions, then slice them into thin rounds. Wash, drain, and finely chop the fresh dill and parsley. Add the onions and greens to the bowl with the cheese, season with salt and pepper, then add the two eggs and mix well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. This is your delicious filling.

3. Fill the cannelloni tubes:
Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill each cannelloni tube with the cheese mixture. Be careful not to overfill, to avoid spillage during baking.

Preparing the bechamel sauce

1. Prepare the sauce:
In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the flour and mix well with a whisk to form a roux. This is the base of your sauce.

2. Add the milk:
Gradually pour in the warm milk, continuing to stir constantly. This step is crucial to avoid lumps. Stir until the sauce thickens, then add salt and pepper to taste.

3. Assemble the dish:
Grease a baking dish with olive oil. Carefully arrange the filled cannelloni tubes in the dish, then pour the bechamel sauce evenly over them. Sprinkle a little chopped parsley on top for an attractive appearance and added flavor.

Baking

1. Preheat the oven:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. This is the perfect time to ensure everything is ready to go into the oven.

2. Bake the dish:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first 20 minutes of baking, then remove the foil and let it brown for another 10 minutes. This technique will help the cannelloni bake evenly and develop a delicious crust.

3. Cooling:
Once baked, let the cannelloni cool for a few minutes before serving. This step will allow the filling to set and make serving easier.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the cannelloni with a fresh green salad, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. This combination will add a pleasant contrast of textures and flavors. You can also pair this dish with a glass of dry white wine, which will perfectly complement the taste of the cheese and greens.

Recipe Variations

If you want to experiment, you can add other ingredients to the filling, such as sautéed spinach or mushrooms, for an extra burst of flavor. You can also replace the cottage cheese with ricotta or feta cheese to achieve a different flavor profile. Using different types of greens, such as basil or cilantro, can create an interesting and unexpected flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

This recipe for cannelloni with cheese and greens is not only delicious but also nutritious. Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein, and fresh greens provide an important intake of vitamins and minerals. Additionally, the dish is rich in calcium, which is important for bone health.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other types of pasta?
Of course! If you can't find cannelloni, you can use lasagna, but the baking time will vary.

- How can I make the bechamel sauce creamier?
Adding a bit of grated cheese to the bechamel sauce will give it a richer texture.

- Is the recipe suitable for vegans?
For a vegan version, you can replace the cheese with a nut and tofu-based mixture and use plant-based milk.

I hope I have inspired you to try this recipe for cannelloni with cheese and greens. Cooking is an art, and every dish has a story to tell. Enjoy your meal and don't forget to share the joy of dining with your loved ones!