Italian > Giuncata Cheese

Giuncata with Spinach and Ricotta Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound of fresh spinach
- 1 cup of ricotta cheese
- 1 cup of giuncata cheese
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Colander
- Mixing bowl
- Baking dish

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Drain the spinach in a colander and let it cool.

3. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, giuncata cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, basil, garlic, salt, and pepper.

4. Add the cooled spinach to the cheese mixture and stir until well combined.

5. Grease a baking dish with olive oil.

6. Spoon the spinach and cheese mixture into the baking dish and smooth the top.

7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown on top.

8. Let the giuncata with spinach and ricotta cool for a few minutes before serving.


- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 4-6 people.

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 15g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of cheese you prefer instead of giuncata cheese.
- You can use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach.

Variations:
- You can add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers to the cheese mixture for extra flavor.
- You can use different herbs such as thyme or oregano instead of parsley and basil.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to drain the spinach well to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
- You can make this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

Storage instructions:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the giuncata with spinach and ricotta in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the giuncata with spinach and ricotta on a bed of arugula or mixed greens.
- Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil.

Pairings:
- This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio.

Suggested side dishes:
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dish is too watery, drain any excess liquid before serving.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the spinach thoroughly to avoid any risk of foodborne illness.

Food history:
- Giuncata is a type of fresh cheese made from whey that is commonly used in Italian cuisine.

Flavor profiles:
- This dish has a creamy and savory flavor with hints of garlic and herbs.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a main dish or as a side dish with other Italian-inspired dishes.

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

Taste: Creamy, Savory, Tangy, Rich, Herbal