Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound casatella cheese, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet
- Oven-safe baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add sliced onions and cook until caramelized, stirring occasionally for about 20 minutes.
4. Add fresh spinach leaves to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Add balsamic vinegar to the skillet and stir to combine.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. In an oven-safe baking dish, layer the sliced casatella cheese.
8. Pour the caramelized onion and spinach mixture over the cheese.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Serve hot.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 40 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- Serves 4-6 people
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 350
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 20g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Casatella cheese can be substituted with any soft cheese such as brie or camembert.
- Spinach can be substituted with any leafy green such as kale or arugula.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the caramelized onion and spinach mixture for an earthy flavor.
- Top with chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to slice the casatella cheese thinly for even melting.
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the onions from sticking to the pan.
- If the cheese is not melting evenly, broil for 1-2 minutes to brown the top.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover casatella with caramelized onions and spinach in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve on a platter with crackers and sliced baguette for a party appetizer.
- Garnish with fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary.
Pairings:
- Serve with a light red wine such as pinot noir or a crisp white wine such as sauvignon blanc.
Suggested side dishes:
- Serve with a side salad of mixed greens and a vinaigrette dressing.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese is not melting, try increasing the oven temperature or broiling for a few minutes.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the onions and spinach thoroughly to prevent any foodborne illness.
Food history:
- Casatella cheese is a soft cheese from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy.
Flavor profiles:
- Creamy, tangy, savory, and slightly sweet.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer or as a main course with a side salad.
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Region: Italian