Canelons Catalans

Canelons Catalans is a traditional Catalonian dish, typically served during Christmas. Borrowed from Italian cuisine, this delightful comfort food has been adopted and adapted by Catalonians over centuries, making it a staple for family gatherings. These delicious pasta rolls, filled typically with a mixture of meats, are a testament to Catalonia’s rich culinary heritage.

Ingredients for Canelons Catalans

• Pasta sheets - 14 sheets
• Ground pork - 200g
• Ground beef - 200g
• Onion - 1 large, finely chopped
• Tomato sauce - 200ml
• Butter - 50g
• Flour - 50g
• Milk - 500ml
• Grated cheese - 100g, typically mozzarella or a blend
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Salt - to taste
• Pepper - to taste
• Nutmeg - a pinch, freshly grated
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Preparing the Filling

1. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and sauté until soft and translucent.
2. Add the ground pork and ground beef to the pan, cooking until browned. Ensure the meats are fully cooked for safety.
3. Stir in the tomato sauce and season with salt and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This deepens the flavors.
4. Once well mixed and seasoned, set the filling aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Preparing the Béchamel Sauce

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over low heat, then blend in the flour to create a smooth paste.
2. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly, to ensure no lumps form. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens.
3. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Simmer on very low heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Set the sauce aside once it is adequately thickened.

Step 3: Assembling the Canelons

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the pasta sheets until al dente, following package instructions or until they are pliable but not overly soft.
2. Drain the sheets and cool them on a clean towel or a wire rack to stop the cooking process.
3. Place a spoonful of the filling at one end of a pasta sheet, then carefully roll into a cylinder. Repeat until all filling is used.
5. Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
6. Spread a ladleful of béchamel sauce over the bottom of a large baking dish.
7. Arrange the filled pasta rolls tightly side by side onto the sauce layer.
8. Cover with the remaining béchamel sauce, ensuring all surfaces are coated to avoid dry edges.
9. Sprinkle generously with grated cheese for a golden, bubbly finish.
10. Bake for approximately 30 minutes or until the cheese is nicely browned. Monitor the cooking timer to prevent overcooking.

Serving and Enjoying Canelons Catalans

Once baked, allow Canelons Catalans to cool slightly before serving. This allows the dish to set properly and enhances the serving experience. You can complement this dish with a simple green salad or a glass of red wine, typical choices to balance the rich flavors of the canelons. Enjoy your Canelons Catalans as part of a festive meal, or as a cozy family dinner, and connect with a tradition as comforting as it is flavorful.

This dish, rich in history and flavor, epitomizes the comforting embrace of Catalonian hospitality and culinary expertise. Enjoy!