Ingredients with Measurements:
- 8 slices of white bread
- 1 cup of ricotta cheese
- 1 cup of fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp of salt
- 1/4 tsp of black pepper
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and chopped spinach. Mix well and set aside.
2. In another mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
3. In a third mixing bowl, combine the flour, breadcrumbs, salt, and black pepper.
4. Take a slice of bread and spread a generous amount of the ricotta-spinach mixture on top. Cover with another slice of bread to make a sandwich.
5. Dip the sandwich in the egg-milk mixture, making sure to coat both sides.
6. Then, coat the sandwich in the flour-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating sticks.
7. Repeat steps 4-6 with the remaining slices of bread and ricotta-spinach mixture.
8. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
9. Once the oil is hot, add the sandwiches to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
10. Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
11. Serve hot.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 360
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 14g
Sodium: 580mg
Sugar: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- White bread can be substituted with whole wheat bread or sourdough bread.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese or cream cheese.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with kale or arugula.
- Olive oil can be substituted with vegetable oil or canola oil.
Variations:
- Add sliced tomatoes or roasted red peppers to the ricotta-spinach mixture for extra flavor.
- Use mozzarella cheese instead of ricotta cheese for a more traditional Italian flavor.
- Add cooked bacon or ham to the sandwich for a meatier option.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to press the sandwich gently when coating it in the flour-breadcrumb mixture to ensure the coating sticks.
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the sandwiches from sticking to the pan.
- Serve the sandwiches with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Storage instructions:
Carrozza with Ricotta and Spinach is best served fresh and hot. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place the sandwich in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the sandwich on a plate with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil leaves.
Garnishes:
Fresh parsley or basil leaves
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad or soup for a complete meal.
- Pair with a glass of red wine for a more sophisticated meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Minestrone soup
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the coating is not sticking to the sandwich, try pressing the sandwich more firmly into the flour-breadcrumb mixture.
- If the sandwich is not crispy enough, increase the cooking time by 1-2 minutes on each side.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the sandwich to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Food history:
Carrozza is a traditional Italian sandwich that originated in Naples. It is typically made with mozzarella cheese and anchovies, but this recipe puts a spin on the classic by using ricotta cheese and spinach.
Flavor profiles:
Creamy, savory, crispy
Serving suggestions:
Serve hot with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
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Region: Italian
Taste: Savory, Creamy, Cheesy, Tangy, Nutritious