Lumaconi stuffed with cauliflower cream

Delicious Recipe: Lumaconi Stuffed with Cauliflower Cream

If you're looking for a delicious and healthy recipe that will impress both family and friends, you've come to the right place! These lumaconi stuffed with cauliflower cream are not only an excellent choice for lunch or dinner, but also an ingenious way to introduce vegetables into your diet. This dish is a perfect combination of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 55-60 minutes
Number of servings: 4

A short story about the recipe
Lumaconi is a type of pasta with a distinctive shape that makes it ideal for stuffing. This recipe combines the tradition of cooking with simple yet nutritious ingredients like cauliflower. Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable, rich in vitamins and minerals, that can be used in various dishes, from soups to purees. By cooking stuffed lumaconi, you not only enjoy a tasty dish but also the nutritional benefits of cauliflower.

Necessary ingredients
- 15 pieces of lumaconi (or other pasta suitable for stuffing)
- 4 large cauliflower florets
- 1 piece of chicken sausage (or another type of meat, if you prefer)
- 1 tablespoon of ground bell pepper (from a jar)
- 1/2 teaspoon of finely chopped dill
- 200 ml of tomato juice (homemade puree)
- 100 g of grated cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for greasing the baking dish

Step by step:

1. Preparing the pasta
Start by boiling the lumaconi according to the instructions on the package. Make sure to add enough salt to the water to give the pasta a good flavor. It is usually recommended to cook the pasta al dente to maintain its texture and withstand the stuffing. After boiling, drain and let them cool slightly.

2. Preparing the cauliflower cream
In a separate pot, add the cauliflower florets to salted water and boil until they become soft, but don't overcook to avoid destroying the texture. Once the cauliflower is ready, drain it and let it cool. After it has cooled, place the cauliflower in a food processor and puree until you obtain a smooth paste.

3. Chopping the sausage
If you are using chicken sausage, remove the casing and cut it into small pieces. Add it to the food processor along with the cauliflower cream and ground bell pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined. If the mixture seems too dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of the water in which the cauliflower was boiled. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Stuffing the lumaconi
Take each lumaconi and generously fill it with the cauliflower mixture. Make sure each pasta is well filled to achieve a full flavor in the end.

5. Baking in the oven
Grease a baking dish with oil and carefully arrange the stuffed lumaconi inside. Add 1/2 cup of water to prevent the pasta from sticking and pour the tomato puree evenly over the lumaconi. Cover the dish with a lid and place it in a preheated oven at 180°C for 35-40 minutes.

6. Finishing the dish
After the cooking time, remove the dish from the oven and take off the lid. Let the dish cool for a few minutes. Then, sprinkle the cheese on top and return it to the oven, uncovered, for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Serving
These lumaconi stuffed with cauliflower cream are delicious and can be served warm, alongside a fresh salad or a slice of homemade bread. You can add a note of freshness with a few basil leaves or chopped parsley on top.

Possible variations
If you want to try a vegetarian version, you can replace the sausage with sautéed mushrooms or tofu. You can also experiment with other spices, such as cloves or cumin, to add an extra layer of flavor.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use other pasta?
Yes, any pasta suitable for stuffing, such as cannelloni or conchiglie, will work well.

- How can I make the recipe spicier?
Add a little ground chili pepper to the cauliflower mixture or sprinkle chili flakes on top.

- How many calories are in one serving?
One serving of lumaconi stuffed with cauliflower cream contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the type of meat used.

Nutritional benefits
Cauliflower is an excellent source of vitamins C and K, folate, and fiber, making it ideal for a healthy diet. It also contains antioxidants that help strengthen the immune system.

I hope this recipe for lumaconi stuffed with cauliflower cream inspires you to cook and enjoy delicious and healthy flavors! Don't forget to share the final result with your loved ones and savor every bite!