Cannelloni with cheese, spinach, and gorgonzola

Cannelloni with cheese, spinach, and gorgonzola: A delicious recipe for a perfect lunch

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4-6 servings

Cannelloni with cheese, spinach, and gorgonzola are an excellent choice for a festive meal or family dinner. This Italian dish, full of rich flavors, has become popular due to its versatility and the delightful combination of ingredients. From various fillings to creamy sauces, cannelloni are a true feast for the taste buds.

Ingredients

For the filling:
- 12 pieces of cannelloni
- 500 g fresh spinach
- 250 g cow's telemea cheese (grated)
- 50 g gorgonzola (made into a paste)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves of garlic (crushed)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)

For the sauce:
- 50 g gorgonzola (additional)
- 200 ml milk
- 200 g cooking cream
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 3-4 sprigs of fresh parsley (finely chopped)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the filling
1. In a large pan, add a tablespoon of butter and let it melt over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and crushed garlic cloves. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
3. Meanwhile, wash the fresh spinach well and boil it for a few minutes until it wilts. Drain it well and chop it finely.
4. Add the chopped spinach to the pan and mix everything on the heat for about 5 minutes to combine the flavors. Season with salt (be careful, the cheese is salty) and pepper.
5. Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Then, add the telemea cheese and gorgonzola. Mix well until the composition is homogeneous.

Step 2: Filling the cannelloni
1. Fill each cannelloni tube with the spinach and cheese mixture using a teaspoon or a piping bag with a wide nozzle. Make sure each cannelloni is filled evenly.
2. Prepare a baking dish and grease the edges with butter to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Preparing the sauce
1. In a pot, add a tablespoon of butter and let it melt. Add the flour and mix quickly to avoid lumps.
2. Start adding the milk gradually, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
3. Add the cooking cream and gorgonzola, stirring until the sauce becomes creamy and homogeneous. Season with salt, pepper, and add the chopped parsley.

Step 4: Assembling and baking
1. Pour the prepared sauce over the cannelloni, ensuring they are well covered.
2. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes.
3. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle a layer of grated cheese on top. Leave it in the oven for another 10 minutes until it is beautifully browned.

Serving
This dish is served warm, accompanied by a spoonful of sour cream for added creaminess. You can garnish it with a few sprigs of fresh parsley for an attractive appearance.

Notes and useful tips
- Vegetarian option: You can add vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to the filling to diversify the flavors.
- Alternative sauce: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can opt for a simple tomato sauce to complement the cheese filling.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: This cannelloni recipe has a moderate calorie content due to the cheese and cream but also provides valuable proteins from spinach and cheese. Spinach is rich in iron and vitamins, making this dish a nutritious choice.

Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use store-bought cannelloni? Yes, it is recommended to use durum wheat cannelloni, which do not require pre-boiling.
2. What other ingredients can I add? You can include chopped nuts or herbs like dill, which adds a fresh note.
3. How do I store leftovers? If you have leftover cannelloni, you can keep them in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, and when reheating, add a little milk to rejuvenate the sauce.

Conclusion
Cannelloni with cheese, spinach, and gorgonzola is a dish that not only satisfies hunger but also adds a touch of elegance to any meal. Whether it's a weekend lunch or a special dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy your meal!