Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound Montébore cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1 pound fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large skillet
- 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, or until wilted. Drain in a colander and press out any excess water.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
4. Add the cooked spinach to the skillet and stir to combine with the garlic and oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach is heated through.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Add the spinach mixture and stir to combine.
6. Grease a baking dish with olive oil. Add the Montébore cheese cubes to the dish, then pour the spinach and ricotta mixture over the top.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 420
Fat: 35g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 22g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Montébore cheese can be substituted with any soft cheese, such as Brie or Camembert.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with frozen spinach, thawed and drained.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese.
Variations:
- Add cooked bacon or pancetta for a meatier version.
- Substitute the spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different flavor.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of sweetness.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to press out any excess water from the spinach to prevent the dish from becoming too watery.
- Use a good quality olive oil for the best flavor.
- 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 an 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 draining off some of the excess liquid before serving.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the spinach thoroughly to prevent any potential foodborne illnesses.
Food history:
Montébore cheese is a traditional Italian cheese made from cow's milk. It is named after the Montebore mountain in the Piedmont region of Italy.
Flavor profiles:
This dish is rich and creamy, with a savory flavor from the Montébore cheese and a slight sweetness from the spinach and ricotta.
Serving suggestions:
Serve as a main course with a side salad, or as an appetizer with crusty bread.
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Region: Italian