How To Make Cannelloni Tubes From Lasagne Sheets

How to Make Cannelloni Tubes from Lasagne Sheets: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Cannelloni is a classic Italian dish that’s enjoyed by many around the world. While you can purchase ready-made cannelloni tubes, you can easily make them yourself using lasagne sheets. Making your own cannelloni tubes allows you to customize the pasta and ensure it’s fresh, which can enhance the flavor and texture of your dish. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make cannelloni tubes from lasagne sheets, along with tips for filling them and preparing the perfect meal.

Table of Contents

What You Need to Make Cannelloni Tubes from Lasagne Sheets

Before you begin, it’s essential to gather everything you’ll need to make your cannelloni tubes from lasagne sheets. Here’s a list of the ingredients and tools to have on hand:

Ingredients:

Fresh or dried lasagne sheets (store-bought or homemade)
Salted water (for boiling the lasagne sheets)
A filling of your choice (such as ricotta cheese, spinach, meat, or any filling you prefer)

Tools:

A large pot for boiling
A colander for draining
A clean, flat surface for rolling the lasagne sheets
A sharp knife or scissors
A baking dish (for assembling the cannelloni)
A spoon for filling the cannelloni

Step 1: Prepare the Lasagne Sheets

The first step in making cannelloni tubes is preparing the lasagne sheets. If you’re using fresh lasagne sheets, these will be ready to go. If you’re using dried lasagne sheets, follow these instructions:

Boil the Lasagne Sheets: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water to enhance the flavor of the pasta. Carefully add the lasagne sheets one at a time, stirring gently to prevent them from sticking together.
Cook the Lasagne Sheets: Boil the lasagne sheets for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re al dente. You want the sheets to be firm enough to hold their shape but soft enough to bend easily when forming cannelloni tubes.
Drain and Cool: Once the lasagne sheets are cooked, remove them from the pot and drain them in a colander. Run some cold water over the sheets to stop them from cooking further and to cool them down, making them easier to handle.

Step 2: Cut the Lasagne Sheets into Cannelloni-Sized Strips

Once your lasagne sheets have cooled, it’s time to cut them into strips that will form the tubes. Depending on the size of your lasagne sheets, you can typically cut each sheet into two or three strips:

Measure the Width: Measure the width of your lasagne sheet to ensure the strips will be large enough to roll into tubes. Generally, aim for strips about 3-4 inches wide.
Cut the Sheets: Using a sharp knife or scissors, carefully cut each lasagne sheet into even strips. The strips should be long enough to easily roll into tubes without overlapping too much.

Step 3: Roll the Lasagne Sheets into Cannelloni Tubes

Now that you have your lasagne strips ready, it’s time to roll them into tubes. This step is simple but requires a bit of patience to ensure the tubes stay intact.

Place the Strip on a Flat Surface: Lay each lasagne strip flat on a clean surface, such as a cutting board or countertop. Make sure the strip is smooth and not folded over.
Roll the Strip into a Tube: Starting at one end of the strip, gently roll the lasagne sheet into a cylindrical shape. Roll tightly but not too tightly, as you don’t want the filling to spill out once the tube is baked.
Seal the Edges: If necessary, slightly overlap the edges of the strip to ensure the tube stays closed. You can use a small amount of water to help seal the edges together.
Repeat: Continue rolling the rest of your lasagne strips into cannelloni tubes, making as many as you need.

Step 4: Fill the Cannelloni Tubes

Once you’ve formed your cannelloni tubes, it’s time to fill them with your favorite filling. You can use a variety of fillings, such as ricotta and spinach, ground meat, or even a vegetarian option.

Prepare the Filling: Make your filling ahead of time. If you’re using a cheese filling, such as ricotta, mix the cheese with herbs, salt, and pepper. For meat fillings, cook the meat and season it before mixing with other ingredients like tomato sauce or béchamel.
Stuff the Cannelloni: Use a spoon or a piping bag to fill each cannelloni tube. Be sure to pack the filling tightly but carefully so it doesn’t spill out during cooking.
Fill All the Tubes: Continue filling each tube with your desired filling, making sure to evenly distribute the filling in each one.

Step 5: Assemble the Cannelloni for Baking

Once all the cannelloni tubes are filled, it’s time to assemble them in a baking dish.

Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or butter to prevent the cannelloni from sticking.
Layer the Cannelloni: Arrange the filled cannelloni tubes in a single layer in the baking dish. Make sure they are packed closely together so they don’t move around during baking.
Top with Sauce: Pour your favorite tomato sauce or béchamel sauce over the cannelloni tubes. Make sure the sauce covers the cannelloni evenly, helping to keep them moist during baking.
Add Cheese (Optional): If desired, sprinkle grated mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top of the sauce for a delicious golden crust.

Step 6: Bake the Cannelloni

Now it’s time to bake your cannelloni to perfection.

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake the Cannelloni: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until the cannelloni are tender and the sauce is bubbling.
Check for Doneness: To ensure the cannelloni is cooked through, check that the pasta is soft and the filling is hot. If the top is getting too brown before the cannelloni are fully cooked, you can cover the dish with foil and continue baking.
Serve: Once baked, remove the cannelloni from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or extra cheese if desired.

Tips for Making the Perfect Cannelloni

Use Fresh Lasagne Sheets: Fresh lasagne sheets tend to be more pliable and easier to roll, making them ideal for making cannelloni tubes. However, dried lasagne sheets can work as well if you follow the steps carefully.
Don’t Overfill the Tubes: While it’s tempting to pack the tubes with a lot of filling, overfilling them can cause them to burst open during cooking. A moderate amount of filling will yield the best results.
Experiment with Fillings: Cannelloni is versatile and can be filled with a variety of ingredients, such as mushrooms, chicken, spinach, ricotta, or even seafood. The sky’s the limit!

Conclusion

Making cannelloni tubes from lasagne sheets is an easy and rewarding process that can elevate your next Italian meal. By following these steps, you can create homemade cannelloni that are filled with your favorite ingredients and baked to perfection. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this simple guide will help you create a delicious, comforting dish that everyone will enjoy.