Cannelloni has long been a favorite dish among pasta lovers, and for good reason. This traditional Italian dish consists of pasta tubes stuffed with a range of delightful fillings. One variation that you must try is the heavenly combination of light meats, combined with fresh herbs and cheeses. It is the perfect first course to kickstart a memorable meal. In this article, we will guide you through a simple recipe on how to make easy and delicious cannelloni stuffed with light meat.
To begin, gather the following ingredients:
– 12 cannelloni tubes
– 400g ground chicken or turkey
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Now, let’s dive into the cooking process. Follow these simple steps to create a heavenly dish that will please your taste buds:
1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Cook the cannelloni tubes according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, and sauté until they turn golden brown and fragrant.
3. Incorporate the ground meat into the skillet and cook until it is browned and cooked through. Make sure to break up any clumps for an even texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the cooked meat mixture with ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped fresh basil, and parsley. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well incorporated. Set aside.
5. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. This will prevent the cannelloni from sticking to the dish.
6. Fill each cannelloni tube generously with the meat and cheese mixture. A piping bag can be useful for this step, ensuring a neat and evenly-filled result.
7. Place the filled cannelloni tubes in the baking dish on top of the marinara sauce. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the filled cannelloni, making sure they are completely covered.
8. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the cannelloni, creating a luscious and cheesy layer.
9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
10. Once cooked, let the cannelloni sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired, for an added touch of freshness and aroma.
There you have it – a delectable plate of easy and delicious cannelloni stuffed with light meat! This sumptuous dish is perfect for impressing your guests during a dinner party or simply treating yourself to a gourmet Italian meal. Serve it as the first course of your culinary adventure, and watch as your friends and family praise your culinary prowess. Enjoy each bite and savor the flavors that will transport you to the sun-kissed hills of Italy!