Deliciously Indulgent: Cannelloni with Leek, Stracchino, and Walnuts Recipe

Are you looking to impress your family and friends with a dish that’s not only comforting but also bursting with flavors? Look no further than this sumptuous recipe for Cannelloni filled with leeks, stracchino cheese, and topped with crunchy walnuts. This exquisite Italian classic embodies the rich flavors of the Mediterranean and offers a delightful combination of creamy, nutty, and savory tastes.

What is Cannelloni?

Cannelloni is a type of pasta that’s typically cylindrical and larger than most other pasta shapes. It is perfect for filling with a variety of savory fillings before being topped with sauce and baked. In this recipe, we’ll elevate this classic dish by using leeks for sweetness, stracchino cheese for creaminess, and walnuts for a rich, nutty crunch.

Ingredients

For the Cannelloni:

• 12-16 cannelloni tubes (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 leeks, white and light green parts only, finely chopped
• 300g stracchino cheese (you can substitute with ricotta or mascarpone in a pinch)
• 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sauce:

• 2 cups tomato sauce (you can also use a béchamel sauce for a richer flavor)
• 1 cup vegetable broth (or water)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. Sauté the Leeks: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once heated, add the chopped leeks. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they become soft and translucent. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Mix in the Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat. In a large bowl, combine the sautéed leeks, stracchino cheese, and half of the chopped walnuts. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Step 2: Stuff the Cannelloni

3. Fill the Tubes: Using a small spoon or a piping bag, carefully fill each cannelloni tube with the leek and cheese mixture. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

4. Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, vegetable broth, dried oregano, and garlic powder. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

5. Layer in a Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Spread a thin layer of the sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the filled cannelloni on top and pour the remaining sauce over them.
6. Top with Walnuts: Sprinkle the reserved chopped walnuts evenly over the top of the cannelloni, allowing for that wonderful crunch when it’s baked.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

7. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbling.
8. Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Tips for the Perfect Cannelloni

• Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared a day in advance. Simply assemble the cannelloni and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. You might need to increase the baking time slightly if cooking straight from the fridge.
• Cheese Options: While stracchino adds a delectable creaminess, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like ricotta, mascarpone, or even goat cheese for a tangy twist.
• Sauce varieties: While tomato sauce is traditional, feel free to pair this dish with a béchamel sauce for a richer texture.

This Cannelloni with Leek, Stracchino, and Walnuts is a fantastic recipe that brings together simple ingredients to create an indulgent, flavor-packed meal. Perfect for serving to guests or a cozy dinner at home, this dish is bound to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the love and warmth that comes with each bite, and happy cooking!

Bon Appétit!