Cannelloni with salmon and zucchini

Cannelloni with salmon and zucchini

Cannelloni with salmon and zucchini is a delicious recipe that combines textures and flavors in a unique way, perfect for a special dinner or to impress guests. These tubes filled with a mixture of fresh salmon, finely grated zucchini, and a creamy white sauce are not only tasty but also packed with nutrients.

A Brief History

Cannelloni is a traditional Italian recipe that has evolved over the years, being adapted in various corners of the world. Originally, these pasta tubes were filled with meat or vegetables and covered with rich sauces. Today, the variations are limitless, and the combination of salmon and zucchini brings a fresh and healthy twist to this classic recipe.

Preparation Time

- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Baking time: 45 minutes
- Total: 1 hour and 5 minutes
- Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the filling

- 1 salmon fillet (approx. 200 g)
- 500 g grated zucchini
- 1 tablespoon ground red bell pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable seasoning (or salt, to taste)
- 100 g fresh cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 14 pieces of cannelloni

For the white sauce

- 600 ml milk
- 30 g butter
- 2 tablespoons flour

For assembly

- 200 g grated cheese
- 1 teaspoon butter for greasing the baking dish

Step by Step for a Perfect Result

1. Preparing the white sauce

The first step is to prepare the white sauce, an essential element in the cannelloni recipe. In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Once fully melted, remove the saucepan from heat and add the flour, mixing well to avoid lumps. This mixture is called a roux.

Then, begin to gradually add the milk, stirring continuously. It is important to add the milk slowly to achieve a smooth consistency. Put the saucepan back on low heat, stirring constantly. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for a few minutes until it thickens. After it has boiled, let it cool, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.

2. Preparing the filling

While the sauce cools, it’s time to prepare the delicious filling. Remove the skin and bones from the salmon fillet, then cut it into small cubes. This will add a refined touch to the cannelloni. In a large bowl, mix the salmon cubes with the grated zucchini, ground red bell pepper, fresh cheese, egg, vegetable seasoning, dill, salt, and pepper. Ensure that the mixture is well combined.

3. Filling the cannelloni

Now comes the fun part! Take the cannelloni and fill each tube with the salmon and zucchini mixture. Use a spoon or a filling device to facilitate this step. Make sure to fill each cannelloni but do not overstuff, as the filling will expand during baking.

4. Assembling and baking

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a Pyroflam dish with butter and pour 1/4 of the white sauce on the bottom of the dish. Carefully place the filled cannelloni in the dish, then pour the remaining white sauce over them, ensuring they are completely covered. This will keep the cannelloni moist and flavorful.

Now, place the dish in the oven and let it bake for 30 minutes. After this time, remove the dish and sprinkle the grated cheese on top. Put the dish back in the oven to brown the cheese, allowing it to melt and become golden and crispy.

5. Serving

After about 10-15 minutes, when the cheese is perfectly browned, take the cannelloni out of the oven. Let them cool slightly before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a side of steamed vegetables to add a touch of freshness.

Practical Tips

- Choosing the salmon: Opt for fresh, quality salmon to achieve the best flavor. If desired, you can use smoked salmon for a more intense flavor variant.
- Zucchini: You can use fresh zucchini or add other vegetables, such as spinach or leeks, to diversify the filling.
- Variations: Try adding different herbs, such as basil or oregano, to customize the recipe to your taste.
- Storage: If you have leftover cannelloni, you can keep them in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat them in the oven before serving.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

This recipe for cannelloni with salmon and zucchini is a balanced option, rich in protein due to the salmon and in vitamins and minerals from the zucchini. Each serving contains approximately 450-500 calories, depending on the amount of cheese and grated cheese used. Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, essential for heart health.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other types of fish? Yes, you can replace the salmon with another white fish, such as cod or trout, depending on personal preferences.
- Is this recipe suitable for vegans? You can adapt the recipe using tofu or plant-based cheese instead of salmon and cheese, as well as plant milk for the sauce.
- Can I prepare the cannelloni in advance? Absolutely! You can assemble the cannelloni and keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking them.

Conclusion

Cannelloni with salmon and zucchini is a recipe that blends tradition with innovation, bringing an unmistakable taste to your table. Experiment and adapt the recipe to give it your personal touch, and the result will surely be delicious. Enjoy!