Canelone de Ricota

Canelone de Ricota is a delightful Brazilian vegetarian dish featuring pasta tubes filled with a creamy ricotta mixture and topped with a rich tomato sauce. This comforting meal is perfect for lunch or dinner, offering a delicious blend of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

• Lasagna sheets - 4
• Ricotta cheese - 250 grams
• Spinach (fresh or frozen) - 100 grams
• Parmesan cheese (grated) - 50 grams
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
• Tomato sauce - 300 grams
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Nutmeg - a pinch
• Fresh basil leaves - for garnish

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. If using fresh spinach, sauté it in olive oil with minced garlic until wilted, then allow it to cool. If using frozen, thaw and drain excess water.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sautéed spinach, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Mix well until smooth.
4. Cook the lasagna sheets in boiling salted water for about 5 minutes, just until slightly softened. Drain and lay them flat on a clean surface.
5. Place a spoonful of the ricotta mixture at one end of each lasagna sheet and roll them up tightly to form the canelone.
6. Spread a layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish, then arrange the filled canelones seam-side down on top of the sauce.
7. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the canelones and sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
10. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 20 g
• Carbs: 50 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 50 mg
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in calcium from ricotta and Parmesan, supporting bone health.
• Provides vitamins A and K from spinach, beneficial for eye health and immune function.

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