Directions
Spinach and ricotta cannelloni bring the warmth and comfort of traditional Italian cuisine to your table. This dish, featuring fresh pasta, a creamy filling, and a golden béchamel sauce, is a favorite among both adults and children. Follow this step-by-step guide to prepare the perfect spinach and ricotta cannelloni from scratch.
Ingredients
For the pasta:
– 250g all-purpose flour
– 3 eggs
For the filling:
– 300g ricotta cheese
– 300g fresh spinach
– 50g grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Nutmeg, to taste
For the béchamel sauce:
– 50g butter
– 50g all-purpose flour
– 500ml milk
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Nutmeg, to taste
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Instructions
1. Preparing the Fresh Pasta
1. Place the flour on a clean surface, forming a mound with a well in the center.
2. Crack the eggs into the well and gently mix with a fork, gradually incorporating the flour.
3. Knead the dough by hand until it becomes smooth and elastic (about 10-15 minutes).
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 1 hour in a cool place.
2. Preparing the Filling
1. Wash the spinach thoroughly and sauté it in a pan with a little olive oil and garlic until wilted.
2. Drain, chop the spinach, and mix it in a bowl with ricotta, Parmesan, egg, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
3. Stir until well combined.
3. Making the Béchamel Sauce
1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat.
2. Add the flour and whisk continuously to create a smooth roux.
3. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps.
4. Cook until the sauce thickens, then season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
4. Assembling the Cannelloni
1. Roll out the rested pasta dough to about 2mm thick and cut into rectangles (9×14 cm).
2. Blanch the pasta sheets in boiling salted water for 1 minute, then drain and lay them on a clean towel.
3. Spoon or pipe about 100g of filling onto each pasta sheet and roll into a cylinder.
4. Spread some béchamel sauce on the bottom of a baking dish and arrange the cannelloni in a single layer.
5. Cover with the remaining béchamel sauce and sprinkle with grated Parmesan.
5. Baking
1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F).
2. Bake for 15 minutes, then increase the temperature to 230°C (446°F) and grill for 5 minutes to achieve a golden crust.
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Serving and Enjoying
Once baked to perfection, serve your spinach and ricotta cannelloni hot. Enjoy this traditional Italian dish with family and friends, embracing the comforting flavors of homemade cuisine. Bon appétit!
