Swallows Nest Pasta from San Marino (Nidi di Rondine)

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Swallows nest pasta is an original recipe from the little country of San Marino.  In Italian it is called nidi di rondine which translates to swallows nest and it gets the name because the rolled up pasta somewhat resembles a swallows nest.  Mine, not so much but it truly was a heavenly bite!

Seriously, we absolutely loved this recipe.  It was a large pasta noodle that was smothered in an amazing bechamel sauce then topped with fontina cheese and more cheese and a slice of prosciutto and basil leaves.  All this is wrapped up into a roll that is supposed to look like swallows nest pasta.   A marinara is in the bottom of the baking dish and some put on top with, yes, some more cheese.  It is baked and served warm.

We actually had some left over and it was even better the next day, I think a lot of pasta dishes are like that, don’t you?

Did you know that the constitution of San Marino, enacted in 1600, is the world’s oldest constitution still in effect?  If you would like to learn more about this tiny little country be sure to check out “Our Journey to San Marino“.  It is also known as “the most Serene Republic of San Marino”.. You will also find more delicious and authentic recipes.

Craving even more?  Be sure to join the culinary and cultural journey around the world so you don’t miss a thing,  it’s free.  You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook ,  Pinterest and youtube to follow along our journey.

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Swallows Nest Pasta (Nidi di Rondine)

A heavenly bite of pasta that when baked resembles a swallows nest, an authentic recipe from San Marino

Course Main Course

Cuisine Sammarinese, San Marino

Keyword Swallows Nest Pasta

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Total Time 55 minutes

Servings 4

Calories 997 kcal

Author Darlene at International Cuisine

Ingredients

Ingredients

• 12 lasagna pasta noodles
• ¾ lb Prosciutto di parma sliced thin
• 1 1/3 cup Fontina cheese thin slices
• 12 fresh Basil leaves
• 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
• Parmigiano Reggiano to sprinkle on top

For the Bechamel

• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• 1/8 tsp grated nutmeg
• 2 tbsp Parmigiano Reggiano cheese grated
• salt to taste

Instructions

Instructions

For the béchamel

1. Whisk the milk and flour in a saucepan, then add the butter and place the pan over moderate high heat.
2. Keep whisking until sauce thickens.
3. Season with salt, nutmeg and the 2 tablespoons of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.

To prepare the pasta noodles

1. Cook a few lasagna pieces at a time in salted boiling water.
2. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on kitchen towels.
3. Turn them over to dry on both sides.
4. Pre-heat the oven to 375°F.

Putting it all together

1. Coat the bottom of a large baking dish with 1 cup of marinara sauce.
2. Spread a layer of béchamel on the pasta pieces, then sprinkle with grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and place slices of prosciutto, then basil, then fontina cheese on top.
3. Roll up each in piece into a cylinder. Place them close together cut side up in baking dish. Continue the process until the dish is full.

Nutrition Facts

Swallows Nest Pasta (Nidi di Rondine)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 997 Calories from Fat 522

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 58g 89%

Saturated Fat 26g 130%

Cholesterol 133mg 44%

Sodium 1532mg 64%

Potassium 809mg 23%

Total Carbohydrates 78g 26%

Dietary Fiber 4g 16%

Sugars 12g

Protein 39g 78%

Vitamin A 24.8%

Vitamin C 8.1%

Calcium 40.9%

Iron 15.2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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