Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb Toma Biellese cheese, sliced
- 1 lb fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet
- Oven-safe baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
5. In an oven-safe baking dish, layer the sliced Toma Biellese cheese on the bottom.
6. Spread the cooked spinach over the cheese layer.
7. Spoon the ricotta and Parmesan cheese mixture over the spinach layer.
8. Add another layer of sliced Toma Biellese cheese on top of the ricotta mixture.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 380
Total fat: 28g
Saturated fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 680mg
Total carbohydrates: 7g
Dietary fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 25g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Toma Biellese cheese can be substituted with any semi-soft cheese such as Fontina or Gouda.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with frozen spinach, thawed and drained.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the spinach layer for extra flavor.
- Use different types of cheese for the layers such as mozzarella or cheddar.
- Add cooked ground beef or sausage to the spinach layer for a meaty version.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to squeeze out any excess water from the cooked spinach before layering it in the baking dish.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the Toma Biellese cheese for even layers.
- Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.
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 until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve on a platter with fresh herbs such as basil or parsley for a pop of color.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Pairings:
Serve with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese is not melting evenly, cover the dish with foil and continue baking until melted.
- If the dish is too watery, make sure to squeeze out any excess water from the cooked spinach before layering it in the baking dish.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the spinach thoroughly to avoid any potential foodborne illnesses.
Food history:
Toma Biellese is a semi-soft cheese from the Piedmont region of Italy. It is made from cow's milk and has a mild, nutty flavor.
Flavor profiles:
Creamy, nutty, and slightly spicy.
Serving suggestions:
Serve as a main dish or as an appetizer with crackers or bread.
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Region: Italian