Canelones

Canelones Recipe from Dominican Republic: Delicious and Satisfying

Region / culture: Dominican Republic | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Canelones is a traditional Italian dish that consists of pasta tubes filled with a variety of ingredients, such as cheese, spinach, and meat, and then baked in a rich tomato sauce. This dish is popular in many countries around the world and is often served as a special meal for holidays or celebrations.

History

Canelones is believed to have originated in Italy, where it was traditionally made with a filling of ground meat, cheese, and herbs. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include a variety of fillings, such as spinach, mushrooms, and ricotta cheese. The dish was brought to other countries by Italian immigrants and has since become a beloved comfort food in many cultures.

Ingredients

12 cannelloni
0.5 cup of grated mozzarella cheese
2 cups of chopped spinach
8 very ripe tomatoes
0.5 cup of evaporated milk
2 red peppers
4 tbsp of olive oil
1 pinch of oregano
1 pinch of sugar
2 tbsp of all-purpose flour
1 pinch of ground black pepper
salt

How to prepare

Boil water in a pot. Place the tomatoes in the boiling water for a few seconds to loosen the skin. Remove the skin and cut the tomatoes into small pieces, removing the seeds. Sprinkle oregano and salt on the tomatoes.
Heat up the oil in a separate pan. Add the tomatoes and simmer over very low heat until they become very tender. Add a few tablespoons of water if needed. Adjust the salt to taste. Once the sauce is ready, turn off the heat and set aside.
In another pan, heat up the butter over low heat. Add the flour and stir vigorously until well mixed. Gradually add half of the milk and continue stirring until the mixture reaches a uniform consistency. Add a pinch of salt and keep stirring until it thickens into a cream. Set aside.
Boil the spinach in the remaining milk, adding a pinch of salt. Once the leaves are tender, turn off the heat. Chop the spinach and mix it with the cheese.
Fill the cannelloni with the cheese mixture. Place them on top of the tomato sauce and cover with the white sauce. Cover the baking pan and bake in the oven until the cannelloni are tender.
Remove the cover and continue baking until the sauce thickens.

Variations

Add ground meat or sausage to the filling for a heartier dish.
Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or parmesan, for a unique flavor.
Substitute the spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the pasta tubes al dente before filling them, as they will continue to cook in the oven.

- Use a piping bag or a small spoon to fill the cannelloni tubes evenly and neatly.

- Cover the baking dish with foil while baking to prevent the cannelloni from drying out.

- Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Canelones can be served with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the pasta tubes until al dente before filling them.

- Simmer the tomato sauce over low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Bake the cannelloni covered with foil to prevent them from drying out.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use gluten-free pasta tubes for a gluten-free version of the dish.

- Substitute the evaporated milk with regular milk or cream.

- Use vegetable broth instead of water for a richer tomato sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

Canelones can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply cover the dish with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the canelones on a platter garnished with fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Canelones pair well with a light red wine, such as a Pinot Noir or Merlot, to complement the rich flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover canelones can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of canelones contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of canelones contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of canelones contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of canelones contains approximately 12 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Canelones are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

Canelones contain dairy and gluten.

Summary

Canelones are a delicious and satisfying dish that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious meal option.

Summary

Canelones are a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. With a rich tomato sauce, creamy cheese filling, and tender pasta tubes, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her charming little village in Italy. Maria was known for her delicious homemade pasta dishes, and she had promised to teach me how to make her famous canelones.

As we gathered the ingredients and prepared the dough, Maria shared with me the story of how she learned to make canelones from her own grandmother, who had passed down the recipe through generations. I listened intently as she described the traditional method of rolling out the pasta dough, filling it with a savory mixture of ground beef, onions, garlic, and herbs, and then rolling it into a tight cylinder before baking it in a rich tomato sauce.

As we worked side by side in Maria's cozy kitchen, I felt a deep sense of connection to the generations of women who had come before us, passing down their culinary wisdom and love through the simple act of cooking together. Maria's hands moved with practiced ease, shaping the pasta dough with a deftness that only comes from years of experience.

I watched in awe as she expertly filled each pasta cylinder with the savory meat mixture, rolling them up tightly before placing them in a baking dish. The scent of garlic and tomatoes filled the air, mingling with the warm aroma of fresh pasta and herbs. Maria's eyes sparkled with pride as she placed the dish in the oven, knowing that soon we would be enjoying a meal that had been lovingly prepared with her own hands.

As we sat down to eat, the canelones were everything I had hoped for and more. The pasta was tender and flavorful, the filling rich and satisfying. Maria had truly outdone herself, and I marveled at the depth of flavor that could be achieved with just a few simple ingredients and a lot of love.

After that day, I returned home with Maria's recipe for canelones tucked safely in my pocket. I couldn't wait to share it with my own family and friends, passing on the tradition that had been so generously shared with me. Over the years, I have made canelones for countless gatherings and special occasions, each time thinking of Maria and the bond we shared over a simple dish of pasta.

As I reflect on that memorable day in Maria's kitchen, I am reminded of the power of food to connect us to our past, to our loved ones, and to the traditions that define us. The recipe for canelones that I learned from Maria is more than just a list of ingredients and instructions—it is a link to a shared history, a testament to the enduring bond between generations of cooks and food lovers.

And so, as I roll out the pasta dough and fill it with a savory mixture of meat and herbs, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the gifts that have been passed down to me. I am honored to carry on the tradition of making canelones, knowing that with each delicious bite, I am honoring the memory of Maria and all the women who came before her. The recipe for canelones is more than just a dish—it is a legacy, a connection to the past, and a reminder of the love that binds us together.