Cannelloni

Cannelloni usually refers to rectangular pasta sheets that are rolled with a filling. However, sometimes the pasta dough is replaced with a cooked crêpe, generally 8-10 cm (3-4 inches) in length and once rolled, 2 cm (1 inch) in diameter. After cooking the crêpe (or boiling the pasta), it is typically filled with a savory stuffing which may include ricotta cheese, spinach, and various meats. It is then covered with a sauce, typically classic tomato or bechamel sauce, although many variations exist. Cannelloni is often confused with manicotti, the major difference being that manicotti are preshaped tubes.

In Italian, cannelloni literally means "large reeds", while manicotti means "sleeves". Although both terms are plural nouns in Italian, the English term is often construed as singular, particularly when used as the name of the dish. The term manicotti is more common in the United States, so the two terms have been used interchangeably.

History of the cannelloni

The cannelloni was invented in 1907 by the chef Salvatore Coletta at Ristorante 'o Parrucchiano la Favorita in Sorrento, Italy.

They were known as strascinati because the pasta was rolled and stretched by a rolling pin. They acquired a remarkable reputation along with the chef Nicola Federico (born in Naples July 2, 1891) who moved to Sorrento at a young age and married the young Sorrentina, Fortunata Scarpati (born December 26, 1901). Nicola worked in the restaurant for 31 years and became famous because of the Zeppole di San Giuseppe and the strascinati, which in the meantime had taken the name cannelloni.

During World War II, with many families moving to Sorrento from Naples to escape the bombings, the cannelloni experienced a boom and became the most popular dish of the restaurant, particularly on Sundays. It was recalled that 120 kg of pasta was prepared and completely consumed in one day.

Catalan cuisine

St. Stephen's Day on December 26 is a traditional holiday in Catalonia. It is celebrated right after Christmas, with a big meal including canelons. They are stuffed with the ground remaining meat from the escudella i carn d'olla, turkey or capon of the previous day.

Other uses

The American composer Peter Schickele has called for an uncooked manicotti tube, which he calls "pastaphone", to be used as a musical instrument (played in the manner of a horn) in works by the fictional composer P. D. Q. Bach.

Translation

The word "Cannelloni" occurs as such in the following languages: English, German, French, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese.

Translation(s) in other languages: Catalan: Canelons, Spanish: Canelones (comida), Russian: Каннеллони.