📝 About This Recipe
A beloved staple of Brazilian Sunday family lunches, Rondelli is a delightful fusion of Italian heritage and Brazilian comfort. These elegant pasta swirls are filled with savory ham and melting mozzarella, then baked in a luscious blend of marinara and béchamel known as 'Molho Rosé'. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that offers a perfect balance of smoky, salty, and creamy flavors in every bite.
🥗 Ingredients
The Pasta & Filling
- 500 grams Fresh Lasagna Sheets (pre-cooked/ready-to-bake type works best)
- 300 grams Cooked Ham (thinly sliced)
- 300 grams Mozzarella Cheese (thinly sliced)
- 200 grams Cream Cheese or Requeijão (at room temperature for easy spreading)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano (for sprinkling over the cheese)
The Rosé Sauce
- 1.5 cups Tomato Sauce (Marinara) (high quality or homemade)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (or 'Creme de Leite' for authentic Brazilian style)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1/2 Onion (small, finely diced)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 pinch Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
- 1/8 teaspoon Nutmeg (freshly grated)
For Baking & Garnish
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
- 1 handful Fresh Basil Leaves (for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a large rectangular baking dish with a drizzle of olive oil or butter.
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2
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until translucent, then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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3
Pour in the tomato sauce and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream (or creme de leite) until the sauce turns a beautiful pink 'Rosé' color.
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4
Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and set aside.
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5
Lay a fresh lasagna sheet flat on a clean work surface or a piece of plastic wrap. If using dry pasta, ensure it is parboiled until pliable but still firm.
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6
Spread a thin, even layer of cream cheese (or Requeijão) over the pasta sheet, leaving about 1 cm of the top edge clear.
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7
Layer the ham slices over the cream cheese, followed by a layer of mozzarella slices. Sprinkle a little dried oregano over the cheese for that classic aroma.
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8
Starting from the edge closest to you, roll the pasta sheet tightly into a log (like a jelly roll). Use a drop of water or sauce to seal the edge if necessary.
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9
Using a sharp serrated knife, cut the log into individual rolls about 3-4 cm (1.5 inches) wide.
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10
Spread a thin layer of the Rosé sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish to prevent sticking.
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11
Place the rondelli slices into the dish, cut-side up, arranging them snugly together so they support each other's shape.
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12
Pour the remaining Rosé sauce evenly over the pasta rolls, ensuring the edges of the pasta are well-covered to prevent them from drying out.
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13
Generously sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the top.
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14
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
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15
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and enjoy!
💡 Chef's Tips
If the pasta sheets seem dry, dip them quickly in warm water before assembling to make them more pliable. For an authentic Brazilian touch, use Requeijão Cremoso instead of standard cream cheese for a saltier, silkier filling. Don't skimp on the sauce; the pasta absorbs liquid as it bakes, so ensure there is plenty of 'wet' sauce to keep the rondelli tender. To get perfectly clean cuts, chill the rolled pasta logs in the fridge for 20 minutes before slicing. You can substitute the ham with turkey breast or blanched spinach for a lighter version.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with a simple green salad dressed in a light balsamic vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A side of Brazilian-style white rice (Arroz Branco) is a traditional way to soak up the extra Rosé sauce. Pair with a chilled glass of Chardonnay or a light-bodied Merlot. Warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for cleaning the plate. Finish the meal with a classic Brazilian Brigadeiro or a slice of Pudim for the full experience.