Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 Formaggella del Luinese cheese (about 250g)
- 200g fresh spinach
- 150g ricotta cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Oven-safe baking dish
- Cheese grater
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Wash the spinach thoroughly and chop it into small pieces.
3. In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the chopped spinach to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat and let cool.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the cooked spinach. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Grate the Formaggella del Luinese cheese using a cheese grater.
7. In an oven-safe baking dish, spread half of the grated Formaggella del Luinese cheese on the bottom.
8. Add the spinach and ricotta mixture on top of the cheese layer.
9. Cover the spinach and ricotta mixture with the remaining grated Formaggella del Luinese cheese.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature:
Oven temperature: 180°C (350°F)
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 250
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 15g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Any type of soft cheese can be used instead of Formaggella del Luinese cheese.
- Baby spinach can be used instead of fresh spinach.
- Cottage cheese can be used instead of ricotta cheese.
Variations:
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the spinach and ricotta mixture for extra flavor.
- Top the dish with sliced cherry tomatoes before baking.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to wash the spinach thoroughly to remove any dirt or sand.
- Use a cheese grater to grate the Formaggella del Luinese cheese for even melting.
- Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth.
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 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the Formaggella del Luinese with Spinach and Ricotta in individual ramekins for an elegant presentation.
Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil leaves for a pop of color.
Pairings:
This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with roasted vegetables or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese is not melting evenly, try grating it into smaller pieces.
- If the dish is too dry, add a splash of milk to the spinach and ricotta mixture.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the spinach thoroughly to avoid any risk of foodborne illness.
Food history:
Formaggella del Luinese is a soft cheese that originated in the Lombardy region of Italy.
Flavor profiles:
This dish has a creamy and savory flavor with a hint of garlic.
Serving suggestions:
Serve as a main dish or as a side dish with other Italian-inspired dishes.
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Region: Italian