Dive into Deliciousness with Sicilian Ricotta and Spinach Cannelloni

Craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor? Look no further than Sicilian ricotta and spinach cannelloni. This vegetarian recipe brings the taste of Sicily to your dinner table. It’s perfect for a Sunday dinner with family or a special occasion!

What Makes this Cannelloni Recipe So Special?

The magic of this dish is the contrast of textures and flavors. You get a soft and creamy ricotta and spinach filling. It’s flavored with a hint of nutmeg. Then you have a crispy, golden crust of béchamel sauce and Sicilian Pecorino DOP cheese on top. The flavors will make you fall in love at first bite!

This cannelloni is hearty and satisfying, so you can definitely serve it as a main course. Pair it with a glass of wine, and it’ll steal the show at your dinner table!

A Vegetarian Delight

This recipe is vegetarian. However, it’s not vegan because it uses dairy products like ricotta and Pecorino cheese. Additionally, it contains gluten from the lasagna sheets, so it’s not suitable for people with celiac disease.

Sicilian Ricotta and Spinach Cannelloni: Ingredients and Nutrition

Here’s what you need to make about four servings of this yummy dish. It takes about two hours to prepare, including one hour and 40 minutes of prep time.

Nutritional Values (per serving)

• Calories: 520 kcal
• Protein: 24 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fats: 28 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sodium: 650 mg

Ingredients

• 9 oz. fresh lasagna sheets
• Extra virgin olive oil (as needed)

For the filling:

• 1.1 lbs. spinach (fresh or frozen)
• 1 lb ricotta cheese
• 1.8 oz Sicilian Pecorino DOP cheese
• Half a shallot
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

For the béchamel sauce:

• 17 fl oz. milk
• 1.8 oz. all-purpose flour
• 1.8 oz. butter
• Nutmeg (as needed)

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Guide

Now let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating these amazing cannelloni.

Prepping the Filling

First, we need to get the filling ready:

1. Sauté the chopped shallot in a little olive oil.
2. Add the spinach. If you’re using frozen spinach, cook for 10 minutes. For fresh spinach, cook a bit longer. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Now transfer the spinach to a food processor and blend until smooth.
4. In a large bowl, combine the blended spinach with the ricotta cheese and grated Pecorino cheese. Mix until you have a creamy filling.

Making the Béchamel Sauce

Next, let’s make the creamy béchamel sauce:

1. Heat the milk in a saucepan until it boils.
2. In another saucepan, melt the butter. Add the flour and cook for a couple of minutes, stirring constantly. This is your roux!
3. Pour the hot milk into the butter and flour mixture. Add the nutmeg and stir until the sauce is smooth and thick.

Assembling the Cannelloni

Now it’s time to put it all together:

1. Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce on the bottom of a rectangular baking dish.
2. Fill a piping bag with the ricotta and spinach filling. Pipe the filling onto the short side of each lasagna sheet.
3. Carefully roll each lasagna sheet to form the cannelloni. Arrange them in the baking dish.
4. Pour the remaining béchamel sauce over the cannelloni. Sprinkle with grated Pecorino cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.
5. Bake in a preheated oven at 356°F for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Sicilian Ricotta and Spinach Cannelloni: Storing and Serving Tips

How to Store Your Cannelloni

You can keep the cooked cannelloni in the refrigerator for two to three days. Make sure to cover it well with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.

If you want to make them in advance, you can assemble the cannelloni the day before. Store them in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, and bake them just before serving.

You can even freeze the uncooked cannelloni! Just arrange them in a freezer-safe container and store them for up to a month. Thaw them completely in the refrigerator before baking.

Pairing Your Cannelloni

Pair this cannelloni with a glass of Contea di Sclafani Grillo. It’s a sparkling wine that enhances each bite with its refreshing taste.

Your Culinary Adventure Awaits

Making this cannelloni is like creating a culinary masterpiece. It captures the essence of Sicilian tradition. Every time you serve it, you’ll see your guests’ eyes light up. The golden crust hides a soft and fragrant heart. It’s a recipe that speaks of care, patience, and love for good food! Embrace these authentic flavors and make this dish one of your favorites!