Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound Canestrato Crotonese cheese, grated
- 1 pound fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
3. Add chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 5-7 minutes.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach with ricotta cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grease a baking dish with olive oil and spread half of the grated Canestrato Crotonese cheese on the bottom.
6. Spread the spinach and ricotta mixture on top of the cheese.
7. Cover the spinach and ricotta mixture with the remaining Canestrato Crotonese cheese.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
9. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 350
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 21g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Canestrato Crotonese cheese can be substituted with any hard, salty cheese such as Pecorino Romano or Parmesan.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with frozen spinach, thawed and drained.
Variations:
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor.
- Substitute the ricotta cheese with goat cheese for a tangy twist.
- Add cooked crumbled sausage or bacon for a heartier dish.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to squeeze out any excess water from the cooked spinach to prevent the dish from becoming too watery.
- Use a microplane to grate the Canestrato Crotonese cheese for a finer texture.
- Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or basil.
Pairings:
Pair with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the dish becomes too watery, try adding a tablespoon of flour to the spinach and ricotta mixture before baking.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the spinach thoroughly to prevent any potential foodborne illnesses.
Food history:
Canestrato Crotonese is a hard, salty cheese that originates from the Calabria region of Italy.
Flavor profiles:
The Canestrato Crotonese cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor to the dish while the spinach and ricotta mixture provides a creamy, earthy flavor.
Serving suggestions:
Serve as a main dish or as a side dish to accompany a larger meal.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Italian