Swallow's Nest

Swallow’s Nest is a dish originating from Italy, tasty and visually appealing. Here’s the recipe:

Ingredients

• 12 ready-to-use lasagna sheets
• 300 gr of cooked ham
• 300 gr of Edam cheese or another soft cheese of your choice
• 50 gr of butter
• 50 gr of flour
• 500 ml of milk
• Nutmeg to taste
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese to taste
• Butter to taste for the baking dish

Preparation

1. Begin by preparing a béchamel sauce. Melt the butter in a saucepan, add the flour and stir for a few minutes. Then, add the warm milk and continue to stir until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
2. Boil the lasagna sheets in plenty of salted water for a few minutes until al dente. Drain them and lay them on a clean cloth to remove excess moisture.
3. Cut the ham and cheese into thin slices. Prepare the nests by placing a slice of ham and a slice of cheese on each lasagna sheet, then roll up the pasta to form rolls.
4. Butter a baking dish and place the lasagna rolls next to each other with the seam side down.
5. Cover the swallow’s nests with the béchamel sauce and sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake at 180 °C (approximately 356 °F) for about 20 minutes, until golden brown and the béchamel is gratinated.

Let them rest for a few minutes before serving, so the swallow’s nests will be easier to cut and maintain their shape. This dish is a great idea for a Sunday family lunch or to impress guests on a special occasion.

Curiosity

The name “Swallow’s Nest” comes from the shape of the finished dish which resembles the nests of these birds. Traditionally, it’s considered a rich and delicious dish, often present during holidays or important lunches.