Cannelloni with ricotta and spinach

Cannelloni with Ricotta and Spinach: A Delicacy at Home

Cannelloni with ricotta and spinach is a classic recipe that combines the delicate flavors of cheese with the freshness of spinach, offering a dish rich in nutrients and full of flavor. This meal is not only an excellent choice for a family dinner but also a fantastic option for special occasions. Let's discover together how to prepare this delicious dish step by step!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

- 10 lasagna sheets
- 200 g ricotta
- 400 g fresh spinach
- 4 garlic cloves
- 600 ml tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Fresh basil, to taste
- 150 g grated parmesan
- Nutmeg, to taste
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparing the Spinach

1. Washing the Spinach: Start by washing the spinach well under cold water to remove any impurities. It is essential to ensure that the leaves are clean, as spinach is often full of sand.

2. Boiling the Spinach: Bring a pot of water to a boil, add salt, and when the water is boiling, add the spinach. Boil for 2-3 minutes until it becomes soft.

3. Draining the Spinach: After boiling, transfer the spinach to a colander to drain well. This is an important step, as excess water can dilute the mixture.

4. Sautéing the Spinach: In a pan, add a little olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until golden. Add the drained spinach and sauté over medium heat, seasoning with salt and pepper. Sautéing the spinach adds a deep flavor to this ingredient. Once the spinach is well sautéed, remove the garlic from the pan.

Preparing the Filling

5. Ricotta Mixture: In a bowl, combine the sautéed spinach with ricotta, a pinch of nutmeg, and a tablespoon of grated parmesan. Mix well with a wooden spoon until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. This mixture is creamy and full of flavor, perfect for filling the cannelloni.

Preparing the Tomato Sauce

6. Boiling the Sauce: In another pan, add a little olive oil and sauté the remaining chopped garlic. Add the tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and a teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Let it simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Finally, add the chopped fresh basil.

Assembling the Cannelloni

7. Boiling the Lasagna Sheets: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. When the water is boiling, add salt and place the lasagna sheets one by one, letting them boil for 3 minutes. Carefully remove them and place them on a clean towel to dry.

8. Filling the Lasagna Sheets: Take a lasagna sheet, add a tablespoon of the ricotta and spinach mixture on one edge, then roll it tightly. Continue until you have filled all the sheets.

Assembling and Baking

9. Preparing the Baking Dish: In a baking dish, add a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom. Place the filled cannelloni, then cover them with tomato sauce and sprinkle grated parmesan on top. Repeat the process until you finish all the cannelloni.

10. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the dish for about 30 minutes until the top is golden and the sauce bubbles on the surface.

Serving Suggestions

Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. These cannelloni are delicious both hot and at room temperature. You can serve them alongside a fresh green salad or with a crispy baguette to soak up the tomato sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of cheese? Yes, you can replace ricotta with goat cheese or mozzarella for a different texture.

2. What other vegetables can I add? You can add zucchini or mushrooms to diversify the filling.

3. How can I make this recipe easier? For a quicker version, you can use pre-cooked lasagna sheets that do not require boiling.

Nutritional Benefits

Spinach is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, contributing to overall health. Ricotta provides calcium and protein, while tomato sauce is rich in lycopene, a beneficial antioxidant.

Possible Variations

For a vegetarian option, you can add vegetables like eggplant or bell peppers to the tomato sauce. If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can add some Italian spices or even chili for a spicy note.

Cannelloni with ricotta and spinach is a wonderful way to bring family and friends together around the table. Whether it's a regular dinner or a special occasion, this dish will surely be a hit! Enjoy your meal!