Istrian Cannelloni (Istarski kaneloni)

Istrian Cannelloni (Istarski kaneloni) Recipe - Authentic Croatian Dish

Region / culture: Croatia | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Istrian Cannelloni, also known as Istarski kaneloni, is a traditional Croatian dish that features delicious pancakes filled with a savory mixture of cottage cheese, prosciutto, ham, and champignons. This dish is a true delight for the taste buds and is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner.

History

Istrian Cannelloni has its roots in the Istrian region of Croatia, where it is a popular dish enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. The recipe has been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own unique twist to the dish. Istrian Cannelloni is a true representation of the rich culinary heritage of the region.

Ingredients

7 oz (200 g) of fresh cottage cheese
2 oz (50 g) of prosciutto
3 oz (80 g) of ham
3 oz (80 g) of champignons
2 eggs
3 oz (80 g) of bread (preferably one day old)
Frying oil
7 oz (200 g) of fresh tomatoes
Freshly ground pepper
1 tbsp of mixed spices

How to prepare

To make 8 pancakes, cube the prosciutto and ham. Clean and slice the champignons. Chop the tomatoes. Press the cottage cheese through a sieve or run it through a liquidizer. Beat the eggs and roughly grate the bread. Fry the prosciutto and ham in a little oil, then add the champignons and sprinkle with pepper. Set aside one-third of this mixture.
To the remaining mixture, add the prepared cheese. Fill the pancakes with the filling and roll them up, closing the ends like sarmas. Dip the filled pancakes into the beaten eggs, then cover them in grated bread crumbs. Fry them in hot oil. Now take the one-third of the mixture previously set aside, add tomatoes, and allow it to simmer. Serve this sauce with the fried canelloni.
You may garnish the dish with Parmesan cheese.

Variations

You can add spinach or mushrooms to the filling for a vegetarian version of this dish.
Try using different types of cheese, such as ricotta or mozzarella, for a unique twist on the traditional recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to fry the prosciutto and ham until they are crispy to enhance their flavor.

- Pressing the cottage cheese through a sieve or running it through a liquidizer will give the filling a smooth and creamy texture.

- Rolling up the pancakes like sarmas will help keep the filling secure while frying.

- Be sure to dip the filled pancakes in beaten eggs and coat them in bread crumbs before frying to create a crispy outer layer.

Serving Suggestions

Istrian Cannelloni pairs well with a fresh green salad and a glass of red wine for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Frying the prosciutto and ham until crispy will enhance their flavor.

- Rolling up the pancakes like sarmas will help keep the filling secure while frying.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute prosciutto with bacon or pancetta.

- Use any type of mushrooms you prefer in place of champignons.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the filling and pancakes ahead of time and assemble the cannelloni just before frying to save time.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprig of fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Istrian Cannelloni pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light red wine, such as Pinot Noir.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover cannelloni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 300 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 25g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 15g per serving

Saturated Fat: 6g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 18g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Calcium: 150mg per serving

Iron: 2mg per serving

Alergens

Contains: Dairy, Gluten

Summary

Istrian Cannelloni is a rich and flavorful dish that is high in protein and calcium. It is a satisfying meal that is sure to please your taste buds.

Summary

Istrian Cannelloni is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner. With its rich and flavorful filling and crispy outer layer, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Istrian Cannelloni. It was many years ago, when I was a young woman living in the quaint village of Istria. I had always been passionate about cooking, and I loved experimenting with new recipes and flavors.

One day, I was walking through the bustling marketplace in town when I saw a group of women gathered around a stall, exchanging recipes and tips on cooking. Intrigued, I made my way over to join them. As I listened to them talk, I couldn't help but be drawn in by the tantalizing aroma of the dishes they were discussing.

One of the women, an elderly lady with a twinkle in her eye, caught my attention. She was talking animatedly about a dish called Istrian Cannelloni, a traditional dish from the region that was made with homemade pasta stuffed with a savory filling of meat and cheese. The way she described it made my mouth water, and I knew I had to learn how to make it.

I approached the woman and asked her if she would be willing to share her recipe with me. To my delight, she agreed, and we spent the rest of the afternoon in her cozy kitchen, kneading dough and mixing ingredients. As she showed me how to make the pasta from scratch and prepare the filling, I couldn't help but marvel at her skill and expertise.

After hours of cooking and chatting, the Istrian Cannelloni was finally ready. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the fruits of our labor. As I took my first bite, I knew that I had stumbled upon a recipe that would become a cherished favorite in my repertoire.

Over the years, I have made Istrian Cannelloni countless times, each time tweaking the recipe and adding my own personal touch. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all raved about its delicious flavors and comforting warmth. It has become a staple in my kitchen, a dish that never fails to bring a smile to the faces of those who taste it.

As I look back on that fateful day in the marketplace, I am filled with gratitude for the kind woman who shared her recipe with me. She opened my eyes to the rich culinary traditions of Istria and sparked a passion for cooking that has stayed with me ever since.

I am proud to carry on the legacy of Istrian Cannelloni, passing down the recipe to future generations and sharing the flavors of my beloved village with all who sit at my table. Each time I make this dish, I am reminded of that special day and the magic of discovering a new recipe that would become a cherished treasure in my culinary repertoire. And for that, I am forever grateful.