Indulge in the creamy, comforting embrace of our Cannelloni with Ricotta & Artichoke recipe – a dish that effortlessly blends classic Italian flavors with a touch of sophisticated elegance. This isn't your grandma's cannelloni; we've elevated the experience with a vibrant artichoke and ricotta filling, offering a delightful textural contrast against the smooth, tender pasta tubes. The rich, savory sauce perfectly complements the creamy filling, creating a symphony of taste in every bite. Forget takeout; this impressive dish is surprisingly simple to make, even for novice cooks.
Prepare to be amazed by the simplicity and deliciousness of this recipe! For a step-by-step guide to crafting this culinary masterpiece, complete with helpful tips and tricks, simply follow the instructions detailed in the subsequent sections of this article. You'll soon be serving up a dish that will impress your family and friends, earning you well-deserved accolades in the kitchen.
Tools Needed
- pan
- mixer
- baking dish
- rolling pin
- baking tray
- frying pan
Ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Cannelloni Filling and Assemble
- Heat oil in a pan, add chopped onion, then 400g of cleaned, thinly sliced artichokes, water, lemon juice, salt, parsley. Simmer until tender (approx. 20 minutes).
- Season 250g sheep's ricotta with parmesan, salt, and nutmeg.
- Blend two-thirds of the cooked artichokes.
- Combine blended artichokes with ricotta. This is your cannelloni filling.
- Spread béchamel sauce in a baking dish. Fill fresh pasta sheets with the artichoke-ricotta mixture, roll them up, and cut in half.
- Arrange cannelloni in the baking dish, top with béchamel, parmesan, ham, and the remaining artichokes. Bake at 200°C.
Step 2. Prepare the Turkey Meatballs
- Combine ground turkey, egg, parmesan, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and dry spices. Add breadcrumbs, adjusting consistency with milk if needed. Roll into balls, coat in breadcrumbs.
- Brown meatballs in a pan with oil, garlic, and rosemary. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté rosemary, garlic, and capers. Add tomato puree, water, and simmer for a few minutes.
- Add sliced peppers, salt, and bay leaves. Simmer until peppers are softened (approx. 10 minutes).
- Return meatballs to the pan; simmer for another 30 minutes until cooked through.
Step 3. Make Valentine's Day Heart Decorations
- Mix eggs, sugar, vanilla, orange zest. Combine flours. Dissolve yeast in warm water. Combine wet and dry ingredients, adding water gradually until a smooth dough forms. Knead with butter until smooth and elastic.
- Let the dough rise. Roll out, cut into hearts. Let rise again.
- Fry hearts until golden brown. Dust with sugar, fill with strawberry jam.
Read more: Easy Basil Pesto Pasta: Simple, Cheap, & Delicious Recipe
Tips
- For a richer flavor, use homemade béchamel.
- Pressing the meatballs firmly helps prevent them from breaking during cooking.
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 2800-3200
- Fat: 150-200g
- Carbs: 200-250g
- Protein: 120-150g
FAQs
1. Can I use beef or pork meatballs instead of turkey?
Yes! Feel free to substitute with your preferred ground meat. Adjust seasoning as needed to complement your chosen meat.
2. How far in advance can I prepare the filling?
The ricotta and artichoke filling can be made a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
3. What can I substitute for the cannelloni tubes?
Large pasta shells or jumbo manicotti work well as alternatives if you can't find cannelloni.
This Ricotta and Artichoke Cannelloni with Turkey Meatballs and Valentine's Hearts recipe is a surefire way to impress your loved ones, whether it's Valentine's Day or any other special occasion. The combination of creamy ricotta, savory artichokes, and juicy turkey meatballs creates a truly unforgettable flavor experience. Enjoy this heartwarming and delicious dish!