Nidi di Rondine
Nidi di Rondine, meaning 'swallow's nests', is a delightful pasta casserole from San Marino. It features lasagna sheets rolled with a filling of béchamel sauce, prosciutto, cheese, and herbs, then baked in marinara sauce until golden and bubbly. It's a comforting and visually appealing dish.
🧂 Ingredients
- 12 sheets Lasagna noodles
- 150 g Prosciutto(thinly sliced)
- 150 g Fontina cheese(thinly sliced)
- 12 leaves Fresh basil leaves
- 300 ml Marinara sauce
- 50 g Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese(grated, for sprinkling)
- 30 g Butter
- 30 g All-purpose flour
- 100 ml Milk
- 1 pinch Nutmeg
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the Béchamel Sauce: In a saucepan, whisk together milk and flour until smooth. Add butter and place over medium heat. Whisk constantly until the sauce thickens. Stir in nutmeg, salt, pepper, and 2 tbsp of grated Parmesan cheese. Set aside.
- 2
Prepare the Marinara Sauce: If using store-bought, heat it gently. If making from scratch, sauté finely diced onion and crushed garlic in olive oil, then add passata (or crushed tomatoes), salt, and pepper, and simmer.
- 3
Cook the Lasagna Noodles: Boil the lasagna noodles in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel.
- 4
Assemble the Nests: Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce over each lasagna noodle. Layer with prosciutto slices, basil leaves, and fontina cheese slices. Roll each noodle tightly into a cylinder, resembling a 'swallow's nest'.
- 5
Bake: Spread about 1/2 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the rolled pasta nests snugly in the dish, cut-side up. Spoon a little more marinara sauce over the tops and sprinkle with the remaining grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
- 6
Bake in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the béchamel sauce is thick enough to coat the pasta without being too runny.
- ✓Don't overcook the lasagna noodles, as they will be baked again.
- ✓You can add a layer of cooked spinach or other greens to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Use different cheeses like mozzarella or provolone.
- Add finely chopped cooked ham or pancetta to the filling.
- A vegetarian version can be made by omitting the prosciutto and using only cheese and greens.