Spinach, parmesan and sausage cannelloni

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/fan160°C/gas 4. Place the washed spinach in a large saucepan with just the water that clings to its leaves, and heat until wilted. You may need to do this in 2 batches. Drain and set aside to cool. When cool, squeeze out any excess liquid between your hands, then roughly chop and set aside.
2. Split the sausages, then remove and discard the casings. Place the sausagemeat in a large bowl with the crushed garlic, half the oregano, the parsley, 50g of the Parmesan, the breadcrumbs and lots of seasoning. Add the egg and spinach, and mix really well.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan and gently cook the sliced garlic for just 30 seconds. Add the passata and chopped tomatoes to the pan, then fill the can with water and add this to the tomatoes. Stir in the remaining oregano and season well to taste. Simmer for just 15 minutes, until you have a loose tomato sauce mixture.
Recipe continues after advertising
Advertisement
4. Meanwhile, fill the cannelloni tubes from both ends with the stuffing mixture. Pour the tomato sauce into the bottom of a large roasting tin (so the cannelloni can sit in a single layer; use the largest tin you can find or 2 medium-size ovenproof dishes) and lay the filled cannelloni on top of the tomato sauce in one layer.
5. In a bowl, mix the crème fraîche with half of the remaining Parmesan and a little water to loosen, then spoon over the cannelloni. Scatter with the remaining Parmesan, the mozzarella and a good grinding of black pepper. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until golden and bubbling. Serve with crunchy salad.