Florentine Pie

Florentine Pie Recipe - Delicious Italian Dish with Rice, Spinach, and Cheese

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Florentine Pie is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the flavors of spinach, cheese, and rice in a savory pie. This recipe is perfect for a light lunch or dinner and is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

Florentine Pie is a classic dish that originated in Florence, Italy. It is traditionally made with spinach, cheese, and eggs, all baked in a pie crust. This dish has been enjoyed for centuries and continues to be a popular choice for those looking for a healthy and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

1.5 cups of hot cooked rice
0.25 cup of Weight Watchers' fat-free parmesan Italian topping
1 tbsp of chopped green onion tops
1 egg white + 8 egg whites
1 cup of shredded fat-free white cheese
0.67 cup of skim milk
0.25 cup of sliced green onions
0.25 tbsp of salt
0.25 tbsp of ground pepper
0.25 tbsp of ground nutmeg
1 pack (10 oz (283 g)) of frozen chopped spinach, thawed and pressed dry (I used fresh)

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
Grease a 9 x 1.25 inch pie plate with PAM.
In a bowl, mix together rice, Parmesan cheese, 1 tbsp of green onion tops, and the egg white using a fork.
Press the mixture evenly on the bottom and up the sides of the pie plate, ensuring there are no holes.
Bake for 5 minutes.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until they are almost peaking.
Stir in the remaining ingredients.
Pour the mixture into the rice shell.
Bake for about 45 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Serve with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or turkey for extra protein.
Use different types of cheese, such as feta or mozzarella, for a unique flavor.
Substitute the spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to press the rice mixture firmly into the pie plate to create a solid crust.

- Thaw and press dry the spinach to remove excess moisture and prevent the pie from becoming soggy.

- Beat the egg whites until they are almost peaking to create a light and fluffy filling.

- Serve the pie with additional Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Florentine Pie with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs well with a glass of white wine or sparkling water.

Cooking Techniques

Preheat the oven to ensure even cooking.

- Press the rice mixture firmly into the pie plate to create a solid crust.

- Beat the egg whites until almost peaking for a light and fluffy filling.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice.

- Substitute almond milk for skim milk for a dairy-free option.

- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of Parmesan cheese for a gluten-free version.

Make Ahead Tips

Florentine Pie can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Florentine Pie with fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, for a pop of color. Serve on a decorative platter for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Florentine Pie with a crisp green salad and a glass of Chardonnay for a delicious and satisfying meal. It also pairs well with a side of garlic bread or roasted vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Florentine Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 25g

- Dietary Fiber: 2g

- Sugars: 1g

Fats

- Total Fat: 10g

- Saturated Fat: 5g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 15g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 50% DV

- Vitamin C: 20% DV

- Calcium: 30% DV

- Iron: 15% DV

Alergens

Contains dairy (cheese, milk)

- Contains eggs

Summary

Florentine Pie is a nutritious dish that is high in protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is a great source of calcium, vitamin A, and iron, making it a healthy choice for a balanced meal.

Summary

Florentine Pie is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. With a crispy rice crust, creamy spinach filling, and cheesy topping, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy this delicious pie with a side salad and a glass of wine for a complete meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was a beautiful Florentine Pie, filled with spinach, cheese, and a touch of nutmeg. The recipe was handed down to me by a dear friend, who had learned it from her grandmother. She told me that the pie had been a family favorite for generations, and I couldn't wait to recreate it in my own kitchen.

I was always drawn to recipes that had a story behind them. There was something magical about cooking a dish that had been passed down through the years, preserving a piece of family history with each bite. As I gathered the ingredients for the Florentine Pie, I couldn't help but think about the hands that had measured out the flour, the voices that had laughed and shared stories while cooking together.

The first step in making the pie was to prepare the filling. I sautéed fresh spinach with garlic and onion until it wilted down to a silky texture. The smell of the garlic and onion mingling with the earthy greens filled my kitchen with a comforting aroma. I added a pinch of nutmeg and some grated Parmesan cheese to the mixture, giving it a rich and savory flavor.

Next, I prepared the crust for the pie. I had learned from my own grandmother the importance of a good pie crust – it should be flaky and buttery, the perfect vessel for the delicious filling. I mixed together flour, butter, and a touch of salt, gently kneading the dough until it came together in a smooth ball. I rolled it out into a thin circle, carefully fitting it into a pie dish and crimping the edges with my fingers.

Once the crust was ready, I poured the spinach and cheese filling into the pie dish, smoothing it out with a spatula. I topped the pie with a layer of sliced tomatoes, arranging them in a neat pattern that would bake into a beautiful mosaic of colors. As I popped the pie into the oven, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and anticipation, eager to see how the flavors would meld together in the heat.

The pie baked to a golden perfection, the crust turning a rich brown and the cheese bubbling up around the edges. I carefully removed it from the oven, letting it cool for a few minutes before slicing into it. The first bite was pure bliss – the creamy cheese, the tender spinach, the slight hint of nutmeg all coming together in a harmonious symphony of flavors.

As I savored each bite of the Florentine Pie, I thought about all the hands that had touched this recipe before me. The grandmother who had passed it down to my friend, the generations of family who had enjoyed it around the dinner table. I felt a connection to those who had come before me, a sense of gratitude for the traditions and memories that had been preserved in this humble dish.

I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen, a dish to share with my own family and friends. And as I licked my plate clean, I made a silent vow to continue the tradition of passing down recipes and stories, keeping alive the culinary heritage of those who came before me. And so, the Florentine Pie became not just a recipe, but a piece of my own history, a reminder of the power of food to bring us together and to nourish not just our bodies, but our souls.