Impress with a fusion dish combining Italian cannelloni and bold Mexican flavors, perfect for a spicy, fun-filled dinner.
Did you know?
Did you know that cannelloni means 'large reeds' in Italian? This dish turns these reeds into a colorful pipe that echoes with the rhythms of a Mexican carnival!
Imagine the traditional Italian cannelloni, but with a twist that will transport your taste buds all the way to the vibrant streets of Mexico. This Mexican Fiesta Cannelloni is an audacious fusion that marries the comfort of stuffed pasta with the bold, spicy flavors typical of a Mexican feast. This dish is a testament to the harmonious blend of cultures, a colorful culinary celebration that offers the perfect way to spice up any dinner party and impress your friends. The story of cannelloni, which began in Italy, takes an unexpected turn across the ocean, gathering influences from the spices and zest of Mexican cuisine. These stuffed delights, which in Italy would be bathed in tomato sauce and bechamel, are now enrobed in a rich, chipotle-infused salsa. Inside, you'll find a flavorful combination of minced meat, beans, and cheese, with hints of cumin and coriander to evoke the spirited atmosphere of a Mexican fiesta.
As you prepare this dish, imagine the laughter and music of a bustling Mexican market influencing every layer of these savory rolls. Let the fusion of cultures be your guide as you bring this dish to life, creating a mouth-watering experience that tells the story of culinary exploration and the joy of discovery.
Ingredients
To embark on this culinary adventure, gather your fresh ingredients, ensuring each one is ready to contribute to the festival of flavors that hallmark this dish.
The chipotle paste is the soul of this dish, offering a smoky depth that is quintessentially Mexican, while the black beans bring a hearty texture and flavor that's indispensable in Mexican cuisine.
- 12 cannelloni tubes
- 300g minced beef
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 200g cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried coriander
- 1 tbsp chipotle paste
- 1 can chopped tomatoes
- 2 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sour cream for serving
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Olive oil for cooking
Steps
Please follow these steps carefully to ensure that each layer of flavor is perfectly captured, creating a dish that's as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
- Add the minced beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Season with ground cumin, dried coriander, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the black beans and half of the grated cheddar cheese until well combined. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a separate bowl, mix the chopped tomatoes with chipotle paste and season with salt and pepper to create your Mexican-inspired sauce.
- Fill the cannelloni tubes with the beef mixture using a piping bag or a teaspoon.
- Lay the filled cannelloni in a baking dish. Pour the tomato-chipotle sauce over the cannelloni, ensuring they are completely covered.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top and cover the dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and cook for a further 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh coriander and serve with sour cream and lime wedges.
Add some extra love
For an even more authentic Mexican touch, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the beef mixture and top with slices of jalapeño before serving.
Recipe Remix:
Your Twist, Your Taste
Whether you would like to swap out an ingredient, make it vegan, or just mix things up, let's get creative and remix this recipe!
Your kitchen, your rules. Let's play.
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