Indulge in the rich flavors of Catalonia with our exquisite Catalonia Canelons. This traditional Catalan dish presents a tantalizing blend of flavors wrapped in delicate pasta sheets, meticulously prepared to perfection. Each bite unveils a symphony of savory minced meat, creamy béchamel sauce, and aromatic spices, lovingly enveloped in a blanket of pasta. Served piping hot, our Catalonia Canelons promise to transport you to the heart of Catalonia, where culinary heritage meets contemporary delight. Whether enjoyed as a cozy family dinner or a festive celebration, our Catalonia Canelons offer an unforgettable gastronomic experience that embodies the warmth and flavor of Catalan cuisine.

Here's a recipe for Catalonia Canelons:

Ingredients:

For the filling:

• 400g minced meat (pork and beef blend recommended)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 200g cooked ham, diced (optional)
• 200g cooked chicken, shredded (optional)
• 200g cooked fish (cod, salmon, or a blend), flaked (optional)
• 100g grated Parmesan cheese

For the béchamel sauce:

• 50g butter
• 50g all-purpose flour
• 500ml milk
• Salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste
• 100g grated Parmesan cheese

Other:

• 250g cannelloni pasta tubes, cooked according to package instructions
• Olive oil for greasing the baking dish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Filling:

1- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant.

2- Add minced meat to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking up any clumps with a spoon.

3- Season the meat with ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper. If using, add diced ham, shredded chicken, or flaked fish to the skillet. Stir well to combine.

4- Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until all ingredients are heated through and well incorporated.

5- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Set the filling aside to cool slightly.

2. Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:

1- In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

2- Once the butter has melted, add all-purpose flour to the saucepan. Stir continuously to form a smooth paste (roux). Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.

3- Gradually pour in milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.

4- Cook the sauce until it thickens and reaches a smooth consistency, about 5-7 minutes.

5- Season the béchamel sauce with salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Remove from heat.

3. Assemble the Catalonia Canelons:

1- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

2- Grease a baking dish with olive oil.

3- Take each cooked cannelloni pasta tube and stuff it with the meat or fish filling using a spoon or piping bag. Arrange the filled cannelloni tubes in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.

4- Pour the prepared béchamel sauce over the filled cannelloni, ensuring they are completely covered.

5- Optionally, sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese on top of the sauce.

6- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the cannelloni are heated through.

4. Serve:

1- Once cooked, remove the aluminum foil from the baking dish.

2- Allow the Catalonia Canelons to cool slightly before serving.

3- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

4- Enjoy the delightful flavors of Catalan-style cannelloni with your favorite side dishes or a crisp green salad.

Bon appétit!

Nutritional Values:

Providing exact nutritional values for recipes can vary based on factors such as specific brands used, portion sizes, and cooking methods. However, I can provide approximate nutritional information for the main ingredients in this Catalonia Canelons recipe:

For the filling (per serving):

• Calories: Approximately 250-300 kcal
• Protein: Approximately 15-20g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 5-10g
• Fat: Approximately 15-20g
• Fiber: Approximately 1-2g
• Sodium: Varies based on added salt

benefits:

• Minced Meat: Provides high-quality protein, essential amino acids, iron, zinc, and B vitamins.
• Onion: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins C and B6, and dietary fiber, with potential anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
• Garlic: Contains compounds with potential health benefits, including allicin, which may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
• Olive Oil: A source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, with potential anti-inflammatory effects.
• Nutmeg: Contains antioxidants and compounds with potential anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.
• Parmesan Cheese: High in calcium, protein, and vitamin A, supporting bone health and immune function.

For the béchamel sauce (per serving):

• Calories: Approximately 150-200 kcal
• Protein: Approximately 5-10g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
• Fat: Approximately 10-15g
• Fiber: Approximately 0g
• Sodium: Varies based on added salt

benefits:

• Butter: Contains healthy fats and fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K, with potential benefits for brain health and nutrient absorption.
• All-purpose Flour: Provides carbohydrates for energy and small amounts of protein and fiber.
• Milk: A source of calcium, vitamin D, and protein, supporting bone health and muscle growth.
• Parmesan Cheese: Same benefits as listed in the filling section.

For the cannelloni pasta tubes (per serving):

• Calories: Approximately 200-250 kcal
• Protein: Approximately 7-10g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50g
• Fat: Approximately 1-2g
• Fiber: Approximately 2-3g
• Sodium: Varies based on added salt

benefits:

• Durum Wheat Flour: Provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy and small amounts of protein and fiber.
• Water: Essential for hydration and various metabolic processes in the body.
• Salt: Contains sodium, which helps maintain fluid balance and nerve function.

Please note that these values are estimates and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes used. It's always a good idea to refer to the nutrition labels on the ingredients you use for more precise nutritional information.