Ricotta and spinach roll

Cheese and spinach rolls - a delicacy that combines the savory taste of ricotta cheese with the fresh aroma of spinach. These rolls, known in culinary tradition as Rotolo di Ricotta e Spinaci, are perfect for a family meal or a festive occasion. With a rich history in gastronomy, these dishes have brought joy to the tables of many generations, becoming a symbol of comfort and happiness in the kitchen.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 200 g flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 pinch of salt
- cold water, as needed

For the filling:
- 500 g ricotta
- 200 g quality frozen spinach
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- 50 g grated parmesan
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
- salt and pepper, to taste
- dried chili flakes (optional)
- olive oil, for sautéing

For the sauce:
- 100 g butter
- 50 g grated parmesan
- 1 tablespoon dried sage

Step by step in the kitchen:

1. Preparing the filling:
Start by sautéing the finely chopped onion in a pan with a little olive oil over medium heat. Cook until it becomes translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Then add the frozen spinach and let it thaw and sauté a bit, stirring occasionally. Once the spinach is ready, set the mixture aside to cool.

2. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, combine the flour with the salt. Make a well in the center and add the eggs. Start mixing the ingredients with a fork, gradually incorporating the flour. If necessary, add cold water little by little until you obtain an elastic and smooth dough. It should be soft but not sticky. Let the dough rest for 15 minutes, covered with a clean towel.

3. Preparing the cheese filling:
In a bowl, combine the ricotta with the beaten egg, grated parmesan, dried basil, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and chili flakes if you want an extra kick. Add the cooled spinach mixture and mix everything well.

4. Forming the rolls:
Divide the dough into two equal parts. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each piece of dough into a thin sheet, about 3 mm thick. Make sure the sheet is even. Spread half of the cheese filling on each sheet, leaving a 1-2 cm margin on the sides to roll without spilling the filling.

5. Rolling:
Start rolling the dough as tightly as possible, beginning from one end. Seal the edges well so that the filling does not leak. Once you have rolled each sheet, wrap the rolls in clean kitchen towels, tightening them well at the ends. Tie them with string to maintain their shape.

6. Boiling the rolls:
In a large pot of boiling salted water, add the rolls and cook them for 30 minutes. Make sure the water is boiling constantly to allow for even cooking of the dough.

7. Preparing the sauce:
Meanwhile, melt the butter in a pan over low heat, add the grated parmesan and dried sage. Stir well until the sauce becomes smooth and aromatic.

8. Assembling and baking:
When the rolls are cooked, remove them from the towels and let them rest for a few minutes. Cut them into slices of about 5 cm and place them in a heat-resistant dish. Pour the butter and parmesan sauce over them.

9. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the dish in the oven and bake the rolls for about 20 minutes, until they become golden and slightly crispy on top.

10. Serving:
Serve the rolls warm, garnished with a little grated parmesan on top, alongside a fresh green salad or a serving of mashed potatoes for a perfect lunch or dinner.

Useful tips:
- If you want to save time, you can use pre-made pie dough, but the flavor and texture of homemade rolls will be incomparable.
- You can experiment with various fillings by adding sautéed mushrooms or olives for a different taste.
- The rolls can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a day, then baked before serving.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use fresh spinach? Absolutely! Fresh spinach can be used, but make sure to sauté it well before adding it to the filling.
- What other sauces can I use? You can opt for a light tomato sauce or a béchamel sauce for a richer taste.
- How can I store the rolls? The rolls can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, and to reheat them, use the oven to keep them crispy.

These cheese and spinach rolls are not only an excellent choice for a delicious meal but also a fantastic way to bring family and friends together around the table. Don't hesitate to personalize them to your taste and enjoy every bite!

 Ingredients: Dough: 200 g flour 2 eggs 1 pinch of salt a little water Filling: 500 g ricotta 200 g frozen spinach 1 small onion 1 egg 50 g parmesan dried basil ground nutmeg salt pepper dried chili flakes oil Sauce: 100 g butter 50 g parmesan dried sage

 Tags:  spinach roll