Uruguay By Food Enthusiasts · 5 min read

National Dish Uruguay: Vegetable and Ricotta Cannelloni (Recipe)

Baked vegetable and ricotta cannelloni topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese

In this article

There is something deeply comforting about a tray of Vegetable and Ricotta Cannelloni fresh from the oven. These tender pasta tubes come stuffed with a fragrant filling of garden vegetables and creamy ricotta, all blanketed in tomato sauce and bubbling cheese. It is a cornerstone of Uruguay’s Italian-influenced home cooking, equally at home on a quiet weeknight or at the centre of a Sunday family table. Let the warm aromas fill your kitchen and bring a taste of Montevideo to your own dining room.

About Vegetable and Ricotta Cannelloni

Vegetable and Ricotta Cannelloni is a true highlight of Uruguayan cooking. These delicious pasta rolls are filled with an aromatic mixture of fresh vegetables and creamy ricotta cheese. The combination of tender pasta, savoury tomato sauce and melted cheese makes the dish a perfect comfort food. Ideal for a flavourful supper or as a special treat, these cannelloni are guaranteed to please every palate.

Ingredients (serves 1–2)

3–4 cannelloni tubes
200g ricotta cheese
1 courgette, diced
1 carrot, grated
100g spinach, fresh or frozen
200ml tomato sauce
50g grated cheese (such as mozzarella or Parmesan)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Shopping for the ingredients

To make Vegetable and Ricotta Cannelloni, it is important to buy the right ingredients. Visit a local market or a supermarket to find fresh vegetables. Pay attention to the quality of the ricotta, as it has a major influence on the flavour of the finished dish. It is also worth making the tomato sauce yourself to deepen and intensify the taste.

Preparing the dish

Before you start cooking, a little preparation is essential. Cut the vegetables into small pieces and have the ricotta ready. Mix the vegetables with the ricotta and season the filling to your liking. This groundwork is key to filling the cannelloni evenly and making sure they hold together well during baking. The same careful prep pays off in any baked pasta dish, such as Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli.

Step-by-step instructions

Preheat the oven to 180°C.
Sauté the vegetables in a pan with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Spoon the vegetable and ricotta mixture into the cannelloni tubes.
Spread a layer of tomato sauce in a baking dish and arrange the filled cannelloni on top.
Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the cannelloni and scatter with grated cheese.
Bake the cannelloni in the oven for about 25–30 minutes, until golden brown.

Gluten-free / lactose-free version

There are plenty of ways to adapt Vegetable and Ricotta Cannelloni for anyone with a gluten or lactose intolerance. Use gluten-free cannelloni, or replace the pasta layer altogether with slices of courgette or aubergine. For a lactose-free version, you can use lactose-free ricotta or vegan cheese alternatives. These swaps mean everyone can enjoy the dish without missing out on its delicious flavour.

Tips for vegans and vegetarians

Vegans can easily adapt Vegetable and Ricotta Cannelloni by replacing the ricotta with a mixture of blended nuts, tofu or vegan cheese. You might also add more vegetables and pulses to enrich the filling. Nutritional yeast works beautifully for seasoning, lending a cheesy note without any dairy. That way the cannelloni stay full of flavour and offer a wonderful option for a plant-based diet.

More tips and tricks

To get your Vegetable and Ricotta Cannelloni just right, it helps to par-cook the pasta tubes briefly before filling them. This makes them more supple and far easier to stuff. If you would like a more aromatic filling, add herbs such as basil or oregano. Be sure to keep the cannelloni well covered during baking to stop them drying out.

Adapting the recipe to your taste

One of the great qualities of Vegetable and Ricotta Cannelloni is how easily it bends to personal preference. Use your favourite vegetables or try seasonal options as they come into their own. The choice of cheese can vary too — from feta and sheep’s cheese through to mozzarella, there are many ways to tune the flavour to your liking, much as you would with Stuffed Courgettes.

Ingredient substitutions

If you do not have cannelloni to hand, you can use the same recipe for a lasagne or a baked gratin — simply layer the pasta sheets with the filling and sauce, as in a Vegetable Gratin. Instead of ricotta, you could also use cottage cheese or quark. For a spicier note, mix some chilli or paprika into the filling.

Drink pairing ideas

A fresh salad and a light drink make excellent companions to Vegetable and Ricotta Cannelloni. A glass of white wine or a crisp rosé complements the dish perfectly. For a non-alcoholic alternative, a refreshing homemade lemonade or an unsweetened iced tea works well. These drinks offer a lovely contrast to the hearty, savoury flavours of the meal.

Serving and presentation ideas

Presentation plays a big part in enjoying Vegetable and Ricotta Cannelloni. Serve the cannelloni on an attractive plate, garnished with fresh herbs such as basil or parsley. A drizzle of olive oil or a few shavings of Parmesan can make it even more appealing. Take care to spread the sauce evenly to achieve an appetising, inviting look.

A bit of history

Vegetable and Ricotta Cannelloni originally hail from Italian cooking and were gradually embraced by Uruguayan culture. The arrival of Italian immigrant families in Uruguay brought a wealth of traditional recipes, which were then refined with local ingredients. This dish is a wonderful example of the blending of Italian and Uruguayan culinary traditions, a hallmark of Uruguayan cuisine. Today, cannelloni are a firm fixture at many festive and family gatherings across the country.

More recipe ideas

Summary: Vegetable and Ricotta Cannelloni

In summary, Vegetable and Ricotta Cannelloni is a delicious and versatile dish that adapts easily to a range of diets. Whether for a family-friendly supper or a special occasion, the cannelloni always deliver flavour and joy. With just a handful of ingredients and a straightforward method, it remains a much-loved recipe in countless households. Give it a try and discover the harmonious flavours of Uruguayan cooking!