Spinach and cream cheese roll

Spinach and cream cheese roll

If you're looking for a delicious, easy-to-make, and colorful recipe, stay with me! The spinach and cream cheese roll is an elegant appetizer, perfect for special occasions, but also suitable for an everyday meal. This recipe combines the fluffy texture of sponge cake with the rich flavors of cheese and spinach, and the ingredients are accessible and healthy. Here’s how you can prepare it!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 45 minutes (including cooling time)
Number of servings: 8-10

Necessary ingredients:

For the base:
- 200 g spinach puree (fresh or frozen, quality)
- 4 large eggs
- 75 ml extra virgin olive oil
- 120 g flour
- A pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 200 g feta cheese (or another type of salty cheese, to taste)
- 200 g cream cheese with herbs
- 100 g boiled carrot, finely grated (or carrot puree)

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the spinach puree: If using fresh spinach, wash it well and blanch it for a few minutes in boiling water. Once cooled, drain it well and chop finely or blend it with a mixer. If using frozen spinach, thaw it and drain the excess water.

2. Separating the eggs: In a large bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Make sure the bowl for the egg whites is clean and dry; otherwise, they won’t whip well.

3. Beating the egg whites: Add a pinch of salt to the egg whites and beat them with a mixer until stiff peaks form. It’s important to be patient here; well-beaten egg whites will make the base fluffy.

4. Preparing the base mixture: In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the olive oil and spinach puree until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. Gradually add the flour, gently mixing with a spatula to avoid losing air from the egg whites.

5. Combining the ingredients: Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the yolk mixture with a spatula, being careful not to let the mixture deflate. This step is essential to achieve a fluffy base.

6. Baking the base: Line a baking tray with parchment paper, then pour the mixture evenly into the tray. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 15 minutes or until the base is lightly golden and easily pulls away from the edges.

7. Cooling the base: After baking, let the base cool slightly, then carefully turn it onto a clean sheet of paper. Gently remove the parchment paper and let it cool completely.

8. Preparing the filling: In a bowl, mix the feta cheese with the carrot puree and the cream cheese with herbs. You can also add spices to taste, such as pepper or freshly chopped dill, for extra flavor.

9. Assembling the roll: Once the base is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese evenly over the entire surface of the spinach base. Make sure to apply it in an even layer to avoid tears during rolling.

10. Rolling: Start rolling the base using the parchment paper, being careful to roll it tightly but gently so it doesn’t break. Use the paper to help maintain the shape of the roll.

11. Cooling the roll: Once you’ve formed the roll, wrap it tightly in parchment paper and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This step is essential to allow the filling to set and make slicing easier.

12. Serving: After it has been in the refrigerator, remove the roll, take off the parchment paper, and slice into pieces about 2-3 cm thick. You can serve the roll with a green salad or crispy croutons for a balanced meal.

Useful tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before you start cooking, especially the eggs.
- If you want to add extra flavor, you can include fresh or dried herbs in the cream cheese.
- The roll can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, well-covered to prevent drying out.

Nutritional information:
This spinach and cream cheese roll not only looks good but is also nutritious. Spinach is rich in iron, vitamins A and C, while the carrot adds a boost of beta-carotene. Feta cheese and cream cheese provide a source of protein, and olive oil adds healthy fats.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other vegetables instead of spinach? Yes, you can try zucchini or carrots, but the baking time and texture will vary.
- How can I make the roll less salty? Use less salty feta cheese and adjust the amount of salt in the recipe.

Delicious pairings:
The spinach and cream cheese roll pairs wonderfully with a glass of white wine or a refreshing mint lemonade cocktail. Additionally, a tomato salad with basil and mozzarella can perfectly complement this appetizer.

Now that you have all the necessary information, embark on your culinary adventure and enjoy this delicious roll! Don’t forget to share the recipe with friends and family, because good food is meant to be enjoyed together!

 Ingredients: 200 g spinach puree - 4 eggs - 75 ml olive oil - 120 g flour - 200 g sheep cheese - 1 box of cream cheese with herbs 200 g - puree from 100 g carrot