Savory Cannoli

Savory cannoli are a tasty and original take on the classic Sicilian cannoli, this time filled with savory ingredients instead of sweet. Perfect for an appetizer or a fancy starter, they can be adapted with various types of fillings. Here’s how to prepare savory cannoli:

Ingredients

• 250 g of flour
• 50 g of butter or lard
• 1 egg
• A pinch of salt
• As needed water
• Oil for frying

For the filling:

• 250 g of fresh ricotta (or a spreadable cheese of your preference)
• 50 g of cooked ham, salami, or another cold cut cubed
• Herbs to taste (e.g., chives, parsley)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, if desired

Preparation

1. To prepare the cannoli dough, start by mixing the flour with butter or lard, the egg, and a pinch of salt. Add water little by little until you achieve a smooth, not too hard dough. Let the dough rest for about 30 minutes covered with a cloth.
2. Roll out the dough to obtain a thin sheet (about 2 mm) and cut it into circles or rectangles.
3. Wrap the pieces of dough around special cannoli metal cylinders (or, if absent, aluminum tubes covered in parchment paper) and seal the edges with some water or egg white.
4. Fry the cannoli in hot oil until they become golden and crispy. Let them drain and cool on paper towels.
5. Prepare the filling by mixing the ricotta with the cubed cold cuts, chopped aromatic herbs, salt, pepper, and Parmesan if desired.
6. Once the shells have cooled, fill them with the ricotta mixture using a pastry bag or a teaspoon.
7. Serve the savory cannoli immediately, to keep the exterior crunchy.

Curiosities

Savory cannoli can be customized in numerous variations. For example, you can add chopped herbs to the dough to give it an additional aromatic flavor. For the filling, you can experiment with different types of cheeses and cold cuts, like smoked salmon or finely chopped grilled vegetables for a lighter option.