Cannelloni
Cannelloni represent a true excellence of the Italian culinary tradition. These cannelloni are prepared using only semolina from ancient grains grown in the fertile lands of Calabria, a region renowned for its rich agricultural biodiversity and the quality of its products.
The ancient grain semolina gives the pasta a unique texture, rougher and more porous than common pasta, capable of better retaining the sauces and enhancing the flavours of each filling. The pasta is naturally more nutritious and tasty, thanks to the organoleptic properties of ancient grains, which are cultivated without the use of chemicals, respecting the earth's natural cycles.
Durum wheat semolina, water
Cannelloni is an iconic dish of Italian cuisine, with a history rooted in the culinary traditions of Southern Italy. Their origin is often attributed to Campania, particularly the city of Naples, where the first references to this dish date back to the 18th century.
The term 'cannelloni' derives from the Italian word 'canna', an apt description for the cylindrical shape of the pasta. Initially, cannelloni was made at home from fresh egg pasta sheets, cut into rectangles and rolled around a filling, before being baked in the oven with tomato sauce and béchamel.
Over time, each Italian region has developed its own version of cannelloni, enriching it with local and traditional ingredients. For instance, in Sicily it is common to add aubergines or other vegetables typical of the local cuisine.
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Cooking uses for cannelloni
Cannelloni is an extremely versatile dish in the kitchen and can be used in a variety of ways to create delicious recipes to suit different tastes and preferences. Here are some ideas on how to use cannelloni in the kitchen:
- Classic ricotta and spinach filling: One of the most popular versions involves a filling of fresh ricotta and spinach, flavoured with Parmesan cheese, nutmeg and a pinch of salt. The stuffed cannelloni are then placed in an oven dish and covered with tomato sauce and béchamel before being baked in the oven.
- Cannelloni alla carne: Another classic is the meat filling, usually prepared with a mix of ground beef and pork, sautéed with onion, carrot and celery, and flavoured with red wine and tomato. This stuffing can be enriched with grated cheese and béchamel for extra creaminess.
- Vegetarian and vegan versions: Cannelloni can be filled with a variety of vegetables such as courgettes, aubergines, peppers and mushrooms, often mixed with tofu or vegan cheese to suit a vegan diet. The tomato sauce can be replaced with a basil sauce or vegetable cream.
- Fish cannelloni: For a more refined variation, cannelloni can be stuffed with a fish filling, such as salmon, cod or prawns, mixed with ricotta or béchamel to create a rich, creamy texture. An addition of fresh herbs, such as dill or parsley, enhances the flavour of the fish.
- Cheese cannelloni: Cheese lovers can fill cannelloni with a mix of cheeses, such as ricotta, mozzarella, provolone and parmesan, perhaps enriched with spinach or other vegetables. A cheese sauce, such as béchamel, completes the dish.
- Cannelloni al ragù: A popular variant is filled with ragù alla Bolognese, a rich and tasty sauce made from minced meat, tomato and wine. Everything is covered with béchamel sauce and grated Parmesan cheese before cooking.
The stuffed cannelloni should be arranged in a single row in a lightly buttered or oiled baking dish. It is important to cover them generously with sauce to prevent them from drying out during cooking. Bake in a preheated oven at 180-200 degrees Celsius for about 25-30 minutes, or until the surface is golden and crispy.
Cannelloni offer endless creative possibilities, allowing you to experiment with different ingredients and techniques to create delicious new dishes, ideal for family lunches, dinners with friends or special occasions.