Crepe Cannelloni with Ricotta and Spinach
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Crepe Cannelloni with Ricotta and Spinach

Indulge in the delicious flavors of Crepe Cannelloni with Ricotta and Spinach. This recipe is not only easy to make but also perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a special gathering with friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

  1. The combination of creamy ricotta, flavorful spinach, and gooey mozzarella creates a delightful taste experience.
  2. With simple ingredients and quick prep time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep for the week ahead.

Ingredient Notes:

For the crepes:

  • Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the crepes.
  • Butter: Adds richness and flavor.
  • All-purpose flour: Creates a light and fluffy texture.
  • Milk and water: Provide the liquid base for the crepe batter.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.

For the tomato sauce:

  • Onion and garlic: Add depth and savory notes to the sauce.
  • Olive oil: Provides a rich base for cooking the onions and garlic.
  • Red pepper flakes (optional): Add a hint of spice.
  • Tomato paste and passata: Create a rich and flavorful tomato sauce.
  • Salt and pepper: Season to taste.

For the filling:

  • Ricotta and mozzarella: Create a creamy and cheesy filling.
  • Spinach: Adds a pop of color and nutrients.
  • Pecorino Romano cheese: Adds a sharp and salty flavor.
  • Salt and pepper: Season to taste.

For topping:

  • Shredded mozzarella: Adds a gooey and cheesy topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, melted butter, flour, milk, water, and salt to make the crepe batter.
  2. Heat a non-stick pan and pour a ladleful of batter to make thin crepes.
  3. In another pan, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil, then add red pepper flakes, tomato paste, passata, salt, and pepper to make the tomato sauce.
  4. Mix ricotta, spinach, Pecorino Romano, mozzarella, salt, and pepper to make the filling.
  5. Fill each crepe with the ricotta and spinach mixture, roll them up, and place in a baking dish.
  6. Pour the tomato sauce over the crepes, top with shredded mozzarella, and bake until bubbly and golden.

Helpful Tips:

  • Use a non-stick pan for making crepes to prevent sticking.
  • Make extra crepes and freeze them for future use.
  • Substitute different cheeses or add additional herbs for variety.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

  1. Squeeze out excess water from the spinach to prevent a watery filling.
  2. Let the crepe cannelloni rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the Crepe Cannelloni with a side salad, garlic bread, and a glass of red wine for a complete meal.

Crepe Cannelloni with Ricotta and Spinach

Storage and Reheating Tips:

Store any leftover cannelloni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen? Yes, you can use fresh spinach, just make sure to cook it down before adding it to the filling.
  2. Can I make the crepes in advance? Yes, you can make the crepes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to use.
  3. Can I omit the cheese for a dairy-free version? Yes, you can omit the cheese or use dairy-free alternatives for a dairy-free version of this dish.
  4. Can I add meat to the filling? Yes, you can add cooked ground meat like sausage or beef to the filling for a meaty variation.

Conclusion:

Experience the delight of Crepe Cannelloni with Ricotta and Spinach by following this easy and flavorful recipe. Don’t hesitate to customize the filling or toppings to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy this dish with loved ones and share your feedback for others to enjoy!

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Crepe Cannelloni with Ricotta and Spinach

Crepe Cannelloni with Ricotta and Spinach

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  • Author: Lily Carter
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6–8 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A delicious twist on traditional cannelloni, these crepes are filled with creamy ricotta, spinach, and gooey mozzarella, then baked in a savory tomato sauce


Ingredients

– For the crepes

▢ 2 large eggs

▢ 1 tbsp. butter, melted

▢ 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

▢ 1/2 cup milk

▢ 1/2 cup water

▢ pinch of salt

– For the tomato sauce

▢ 1/2 small onion, finely diced

▢ 2 cloves garlic, minced

▢ 3 tbsp. olive oil

▢ pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

▢ 2 tbsp. tomato paste

▢ 796 ml tomato passata jar (tomato purée)

▢ salt and pepper to taste

▢ butter or vegetable for greasing the pan

– For the filling

▢ 475 grams ricotta

▢ 100 grams frozen spinach, defrosted and excess water squeezed out

▢ 1/2 cup Pecorino Romano cheese, grated

▢ 1 cup mozzarella, shredded

▢ pinch salt

▢ pepper to taste

– For topping

▢ 1 cup mozzarella, shredded


Instructions

  1. For the crepes:

    • 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour

    • 2 large eggs

    • 2 tbsp melted butter

    • ¾ cup milk

    • ½ cup water

    • ¼ tsp salt

    For the tomato sauce:

    • 2 tbsp olive oil

    • 1 small onion, finely chopped

    • 2 cloves garlic, minced

    • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

    • 1 tbsp tomato paste

    • 1 ½ cups tomato passata (or puréed tomatoes)

    • Salt and pepper to taste

    For the filling:

    • 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese

    • 1 cup shredded mozzarella

    • 1 cup cooked spinach, squeezed dry and chopped

    • ¼ cup grated Pecorino Romano

    • Salt and pepper to taste

    Topping:

    • ½ to 1 cup shredded mozzarella chees


Notes

– To save time, you can use store-bought crepes instead of making your own.

– Feel free to add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the filling for a meatier version.


Nutrition

  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 390mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 13g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

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