Cannelloni with spinach, ricotta, tomato juice, and Bechamel sauce

Cannelloni with Spinach, Ricotta, Tomato Sauce, and Bechamel Sauce

With a refined combination of flavors and textures, cannelloni with spinach and ricotta is a dish that blends culinary tradition with innovation, bringing to the table a unique taste and an attractive presentation. Whether it's a family dinner or a festive meal, this dish is sure to impress.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total: 1 hour
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

For the cannelloni:
- 15 cannelloni
- 1 medium onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 250 g ricotta
- 500 g fresh spinach
- 500 ml peeled tomatoes in puree
- 100 ml water
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- A pinch of nutmeg
- Dried oregano, for sprinkling
- 150 g mozzarella, grated or diced

For the Bechamel sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 250 ml milk
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- A pinch of nutmeg

Step by Step

1. Preparing the spinach: Start by washing the spinach thoroughly under cold running water. Then, place a pot of salted water on the stove. When the water starts to boil, add the spinach and let it blanch for 2-3 minutes until tender. Drain the spinach and let it cool slightly, then chop it finely.

2. Preparing the filling: In a skillet, heat the 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and crushed garlic cloves. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until golden and fragrant. Add the chopped spinach and continue to sauté the mixture for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.

3. Combining the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the sautéed spinach mixture, ricotta, and mix well. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. With this mixture, fill each cannelloni tube. You can use a spoon or a pastry bag to facilitate the filling.

4. Preparing the tomato sauce: In a blender, place the peeled tomatoes and blend until you obtain a thicker paste. Add the 100 ml of water to slightly dilute the sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust with salt and pepper if needed.

5. Preparing the Bechamel sauce: In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and stir well for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Then, gradually add the milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, then season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

6. Assembling the dish: In a baking dish, pour half of the Bechamel sauce, followed by half of the tomato sauce. Place the filled cannelloni on top, then pour the remaining Bechamel sauce and tomato sauce. Sprinkle dried oregano on top.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the dish for about 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the dish and sprinkle mozzarella on top. Put the dish back in the oven for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and crispy.

8. Serving: Let the dish cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm, it can be accompanied by a fresh green salad or a crunchy baguette.

Chef's Tip

- Vegetarian option: You can add diced mushrooms or zucchini to the ricotta filling to vary the taste and add texture.
- If you don't have cannelloni: You can use lasagna sheets, cutting them to the desired size and rolling the filling in them.
- Bechamel sauce: Make sure to stir constantly to avoid lumps. If you're struggling, you can use ready-made Bechamel sauce found in stores.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 20 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 4 g

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can frozen vegetables be used for the filling?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Make sure to thaw and drain it well before using.

2. How can I make the recipe easier to digest?
Replace ricotta with a more easily digestible cheese, such as cottage cheese or feta cheese.

3. Can I add meat to the filling?
Sure! Ground chicken or turkey can be added to the spinach and ricotta mixture for a higher protein option.

Pair with

This delicious dish pairs perfectly with a dry white wine or a tomato basil salad appetizer. Additionally, a refreshing lemonade or herbal tea can add a touch of freshness to the meal.

Enjoy every bite of this classic Italian dish and let yourself be carried away by its rich flavors! Bon appétit!