Cheesy Spinach Ricotta Roll

Cheesy Spinach Ricotta Roll Recipe from Italy

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cheesy Spinach Ricotta Roll is a delicious and savory dish that combines the flavors of fresh spinach, creamy ricotta cheese, and tangy marinara sauce. This recipe is perfect for a special dinner or a weekend brunch.

History

The origins of Cheesy Spinach Ricotta Roll are not clear, but it is believed to have Italian roots. This dish is a modern twist on traditional Italian cannelloni, which is a pasta dish filled with ricotta cheese and spinach. The roll version of this dish adds a fun and elegant twist to the classic recipe.

Ingredients

12 oz (340 g) of cooked fresh spinach
2 cups of ricotta cheese
1 tbsp of chopped fresh parsley
3 egg whites
1 cup of all purpose flour
1.33 cups of water
0.5 cup of finely grated parmesan cheese
2 cups of marinara sauce
olive oil

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
Season the spinach with salt and pepper, then set it aside.
Mix the ricotta cheese with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, then set it aside.
Mix together the egg whites, flour, and water, then beat with a wire whisk to get rid of any lumps.
Lightly coat a crepe pan with olive oil and heat it to medium. Then, ladle 2.5 tbsp of batter into the heated pan.
The crepe batter should lightly cover the bottom of the pan in a thin layer. Tilt the pan to ensure even coverage.
When the edges of the crepe turn lacy and brown, and the crepe is cooked through, remove it and stack it on a plate.
Continue this process until all the batter is used.
Once the crepes are cooked, assemble the rolls by spooning 2 rounded tablespoons of the ricotta cheese mixture and 1 tbsp of the spinach mixture onto each crepe.
Fold each crepe to seal in the mixture.
Place the rolled crepes in a greased rectangular casserole dish.
When the dish is full, spoon marinara sauce over the crepes and bake at 325°F for 20 minutes.
Serve with grated Parmesan cheese.

Variations

Add cooked ground beef or sausage to the filling for a meaty twist.
Substitute the spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different flavor profile.
Top the rolls with mozzarella cheese before baking for an extra cheesy finish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to season the spinach well with salt and pepper before mixing it with the ricotta cheese. This will ensure that the filling is flavorful.

- Be sure to cook the crepes until they are lightly browned and cooked through. This will prevent them from becoming soggy when baked in the oven.

- When assembling the rolls, be generous with the filling to ensure that each bite is packed with flavor.

- Serve the Cheesy Spinach Ricotta Roll with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Serving Suggestions

Cheesy Spinach Ricotta Roll can be served as a main dish with a side salad or garlic bread. It can also be served as an appetizer for a dinner party or a potluck.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this recipe include sautéing the spinach, making crepes, assembling the rolls, and baking them in the oven.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach, just make sure to thaw and drain it before using.

- Cottage cheese can be used as a substitute for ricotta cheese.

- Any type of cheese can be used as a topping instead of Parmesan cheese.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the filling and crepes ahead of time and assemble the rolls just before baking. This dish can also be assembled and refrigerated overnight before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Cheesy Spinach Ricotta Roll on a platter garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. You can also drizzle extra marinara sauce on top for a colorful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a light and crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. A side of garlic bread or a green salad with a lemon vinaigrette would also complement the flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Cheesy Spinach Ricotta Roll can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the rolls in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 325°F until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cheesy Spinach Ricotta Roll contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cheesy Spinach Ricotta Roll contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cheesy Spinach Ricotta Roll contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Cheesy Spinach Ricotta Roll contains approximately 12 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Cheesy Spinach Ricotta Roll is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (ricotta cheese and Parmesan cheese) and eggs.

Summary

Cheesy Spinach Ricotta Roll is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious meal option.

Summary

Cheesy Spinach Ricotta Roll is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. With a creamy ricotta cheese filling, savory spinach, and tangy marinara sauce, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Cheesy Spinach Ricotta Roll. It was a warm summer afternoon, and I was visiting my dear friend Margie in her cozy kitchen. Margie was a fantastic cook and always had the most delicious recipes up her sleeve.

As I walked into her kitchen, the aroma of garlic and herbs greeted me, and my stomach grumbled in anticipation. Margie was bustling around the kitchen, her hands moving with precision as she chopped vegetables and stirred pots on the stove.

"Hello, dear! I'm so glad you could come over today," Margie exclaimed, giving me a warm hug. "I have a new recipe that I think you'll love. It's a Cheesy Spinach Ricotta Roll, and it's absolutely divine."

I watched as Margie expertly rolled out a sheet of puff pastry and spread a creamy mixture of ricotta cheese, spinach, and herbs on top. She then sprinkled a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the filling before rolling it all up into a beautiful pinwheel.

"Would you like to help me make this dish?" Margie asked, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

I eagerly nodded, and together we finished assembling the roll before popping it into the oven to bake. As the cheesy aroma filled the kitchen, I knew that I had to learn how to make this dish for myself.

After enjoying a delicious meal of Cheesy Spinach Ricotta Roll, I asked Margie for the recipe. She handed me a yellowed piece of paper with faded writing, a treasure trove of culinary secrets passed down through generations. Margie explained that she had learned this recipe from her Italian grandmother, who had been a renowned chef in her village.

With the recipe in hand, I returned home and set to work perfecting my own version of the Cheesy Spinach Ricotta Roll. I experimented with different herbs, cheeses, and seasonings until I found the perfect combination that suited my taste.

Over the years, I continued to make this dish for family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties. Each time, it was met with rave reviews and requests for the recipe. I took pride in sharing this cherished recipe with others, knowing that it had been passed down through generations and brought joy to so many.

As I grew older, I realized the importance of preserving family recipes and culinary traditions. I began compiling a handwritten cookbook filled with all of my favorite dishes, including the Cheesy Spinach Ricotta Roll. I made sure to include detailed instructions, tips, and variations so that future generations could enjoy these cherished recipes for years to come.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, surrounded by the comforting scents of garlic, herbs, and cheese, I am filled with gratitude for all of the wonderful recipes that have been passed down to me. The Cheesy Spinach Ricotta Roll will always hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the joy of cooking and the love that goes into every dish I create.