Savory Snow Crab Cannoli is a hit in my house--everyone loves the two contrasting textures: the butter-nut crispy Parmesan outer shell combined with the velvety smooth snow crab filling. When you hear the word cannoli you probably think of a sweet dessert you may have ordered in a restaurant or found in an Italian corner bakery. And that's exactly where this recipe gets its inspiration. Instead of fried dough, this recipe uses grated Parmesan cheese as the shell which can be formed when it is heated up; and rather than a sugary filling in the traditional cannoli recipe, this one opts for a nice savory snow crab one.
To make these Parmesan cannoli, it is easiest to use a metal cannoli tube. However, if you don’t have one, you can wrap the warm parmesan pancake around just about anything that will allow it to create a tube shape. Another option is to create a foil-log if you can’t find anything else handy. It is important that when you are forming the shell the edges overlap a tiny bit. I like to put my Parmesan shells seam-side down to ensure they close properly during the cooling process.
This recipe is open to all kinds of variations. Consider adding in mashed roasted garlic, a dash of hot sauce, other seafood such as lobster or blue crab. Just let your creativity run wild and have fun.
This dish is also perfect for a family meal as having a helping hand can make all the difference in getting dinner to the table quickly. Should you have picky eaters you can make different fillings to satisfy everyone’s preferences. Once you get the hang of how to make this wonderful combination, we have no doubt you will create your own family favorite.
Savory Snow Crab Cannoli Recipe
Makes 4 large cannoli (or 8 small ones)
For the cannoli and filling
Avocado oil spray for the pan
5-oz freshly shredded Parmesan Cheese
2.5-oz Boursin Cracked Black Pepper Cheese (half of one of the 5-oz containers)
2 cups Ricotta Cheese
1 heaping cup of Snow crab, shredded into bite size pieces
3 turns of a Black pepper mill, or ¼ teaspoons
¼ teaspoons Paprika, if you like the smoky taste, you can use Smoked Paprika
Optional coatings
1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
1 tablespoon crushed rosemary crackers
Tools
4 Metal Cannoli tubes or make one with foil
In a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat, spray it with avocado oil spray or any other high temperature oil. To make 4 large cannoli, sprinkle 1.25-oz (¼ of a 5-oz the container) into the center of the pan, making a single layer pancake with the cheese. The cheese will start to bubble immediately. Make sure that the cheese pancake is even. You can move it around slightly with a silicone spatula while it is in this melting state.
Once the cheese starts to crisp up and becomes firm, flip the parmesan pancake to cook the other side. A metal fish spatula is best for releasing crispy parmesan pancake. Let it cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. Once the pancake can be removed, place it on cannoli tube or foil. Wrap it around until the seams meet. Place the tube with the parmesan seam-side down on a clean plate. Repeat until all the cannoli shells are formed.
Before the parmesan cools, and is still slightly gooey, it is possible to add other interesting ingredients to the outer shell. You can roll it in freshly chopped parsley or crushed rosemary crackers. Let your imagination run wild. You can also add it to the pan when it is still cooking.
Now prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, combine the Boursin cheese, ricotta and mix until smooth. Add in the bite-size snow crab meat, pepper and paprika and fold until everything is evenly distributed. You can taste the filling and correct with any other flavors you’d like to add. Place the filling in a piping bag. Snip off the end so that the opening is large enough to easily fill the cannoli. Place the tip of the piping bag into the cannoli and fill.
Serve these savory cannoli as an appetizer or main dish. To slice, use a sharp knife and cut slowly to not break the shell.
Recipe by Rebecca Bent
Health Benefits of Snow Crab Meat:
Snow crab is a low-calorie, high-protein seafood option.
Rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, zinc, and selenium.
Contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids making it a heart healthy choice
About Snow Crab from CrabPlace.com:
At CrabPlace.com, we pride ourselves on offering the finest quality seafood sourced directly from the icy waters of the North Atlantic. Our snow crab is wild-caught, ensuring its superior flavor and freshness. With a commitment to sustainable fishing practices, you can enjoy your Snow Crab Mac and Cheese knowing it's not only delicious but also environmentally responsible.
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