Uruguay By Food Enthusiasts · 6 min read

National Dish Uruguay: Vegetable Cannelloni (Recipe)

Baked vegetable cannelloni in béchamel sauce with a golden cheese topping

In this article

Discover vegetable cannelloni, a comforting classic that captures the warmth of Uruguayan home cooking. These tender pasta rolls are filled with fresh vegetables and fragrant herbs, then baked under a silky béchamel sauce until the top turns golden and bubbling. Whether you are cooking for a relaxed family supper or a lively gathering of friends, this is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table — proof of how Italian roots and South American flair come together on the Uruguayan plate.

About Vegetable Cannelloni

Vegetable cannelloni are a much-loved dish in Uruguay and embody the very essence of the country’s cooking. These filled pasta rolls are not only delicious but also wonderfully versatile to prepare. They offer a fantastic way to bring together fresh vegetables, tangy cheeses and aromatic herbs in a hearty béchamel sauce. Whether you make them for a family meal or a sociable get-together, the cannelloni promise a flavour experience that has delighted generations.

Ingredients (serves 1–2)

8 lasagne sheets or cannelloni tubes
200 g fresh vegetables (e.g. spinach, courgette and carrots)
100 g ricotta or feta
1 cup béchamel sauce (about 250 ml)
50 g grated cheese (e.g. Parmesan or mozzarella)
1 clove of garlic
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried herbs (e.g. basil or oregano)
Salt and pepper to taste

Shopping for the ingredients

When shopping for the ingredients for vegetable cannelloni, it is worth choosing fresh vegetables, as they have a real impact on the flavour of the dish. Most supermarkets offer a wide selection of fresh produce that is ideal for the filling. The cheese plays an important role too; pick quality products to achieve an even tastier result. You will also find the ingredients needed for the béchamel sauce in most food shops, where it is a staple in many kitchens. For more pasta inspiration, browse the wider world of Uruguayan cuisine.

Preparing the dish

Before you begin making the vegetable cannelloni, it is best to prepare all the ingredients thoroughly. This means washing, chopping and possibly steaming the vegetables to intensify their flavours. The béchamel sauce can either be made from scratch or you can use a good-quality ready-made version. It is important to have everything within easy reach so that the cooking process runs smoothly from start to finish.

Step-by-step instructions

Cut the vegetables into small pieces and sauté them in a pan with olive oil and, if you like, a crushed clove of garlic. Season with salt, pepper and herbs.
Briefly pre-cook the lasagne sheets or cannelloni tubes in boiling water to soften them slightly.
Combine the sautéed vegetables with the ricotta or feta and mix well.
Spoon the filling into the lasagne sheets or cannelloni tubes and lay them in a greased baking dish.
Pour the béchamel sauce over the filled cannelloni and scatter with grated cheese.
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 25–30 minutes, until the surface is golden brown.

Gluten-free / lactose-free version

Vegetable cannelloni can easily be made gluten-free and lactose-free. For the gluten-free version, use special gluten-free lasagne sheets or cannelloni, which are widely available in supermarkets. There are also lactose-free alternatives to ricotta or feta that keep the same lovely flavour. That way everyone can enjoy these delicate cannelloni, whatever their food intolerances. The same approach works beautifully for Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli.

Tips for vegans and vegetarians

For vegans, there are plenty of ways to adapt the classic vegetable cannelloni. Instead of dairy products, you can use plant-based cheese and a plant-based béchamel sauce. A homemade béchamel made from plant milk and vegan butter is easy to prepare and tastes excellent. The filling can also be bolstered with pulses such as lentils or chickpeas to boost the protein content.

More tips and tricks

To refine the dish, you can add a variety of herbs and spices. Fresh basil, for example, lends the cannelloni a particularly Mediterranean flavour. A hint of nutmeg in the béchamel sauce can also round off the aroma beautifully. Experiment with different cheeses or fillings to add your own personal touch, much as you might with Ricotta Ravioli.

Adapting the recipe to your taste

Vegetable cannelloni are highly adaptable and allow for a great many variations. Do you like things spicier? Add a little chilli or red pepper. Use seasonal vegetables to make the most of their fresh flavours. When choosing the cheese, you can also experiment and combine different varieties to create interesting flavour combinations.

Ingredient substitutions

If you do not have certain ingredients to hand, there are plenty of alternatives. For the béchamel sauce, a simple tomato sauce could serve as a base — both tasty and easy to prepare, just as it does in Spinach Gnocchi. Instead of fresh leaf spinach, you can also use frozen spinach, which should be thawed well before cooking. Other vegetables such as aubergines or peppers can make wonderful fillings too.

Drink pairing ideas

The right drinks can round off the vegetable cannelloni experience. A light, fruity white wine such as a Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the flavours of the dish. For those who prefer alcohol-free options, a sparkling grape juice or a homemade fruit smoothie makes a refreshing choice. A simple sparkling water with lemon also rounds off the meal perfectly.

Serving and presentation ideas

The presentation of vegetable cannelloni can be lifted with a few simple tricks. Arranging them on a lovely white serving platter lets the bright colours of the vegetables shine. Garnishing with fresh herbs such as basil or parsley adds an elegant touch. That way the dish becomes the highlight of your meal, both in taste and in appearance.

A bit of history

The roots of vegetable cannelloni reach deep into Uruguay’s culinary tradition, shaped above all by the country’s strong Italian heritage. As one of the many fine dishes in South American cooking, they add to the variety and creativity of the region. The combination of fresh ingredients and time-honoured preparation shows just how important the quality of the food is. This dish is often served at family celebrations and special occasions, much like the festive Ñoquis del 29, strengthening the emotional connection to Uruguayan culture.

More recipe ideas

Summary: Vegetable Cannelloni

Vegetable cannelloni are not only a delicious dish but also a wonderfully adaptable one. With fresh vegetables, aromatic cheeses and a delectable béchamel sauce, you can create a real feast. Whether for a family meal or a sociable gathering, these cannelloni are a treat for everyone! Let yourself be inspired to discover the flavours of Uruguay, and get ready for an unforgettable taste experience.