Savory Ricotta and Spinach Pie

The savory pie with ricotta and spinach is a classic of Italian cuisine. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 roll of puff pastry or shortcrust pastry (about 230 grams)
• 300 grams of fresh or frozen spinach
• 250 grams of ricotta cheese
• 80 grams of grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Nutmeg (optional)
• Extra virgin olive oil (if using fresh spinach)
• 1 clove of garlic (if using fresh spinach)

Preparation

1. If using fresh spinach, wash it thoroughly and wilt it in a pan with a drizzle of oil and a clove of garlic for about 5-10 minutes. If using frozen spinach, cook it following the instructions on the package, then squeeze it well to remove excess water.

2. In a bowl, mix the ricotta with the eggs, grated Parmesan, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg until you get a homogeneous mixture.

3. Add the spinach to the ricotta mixture and mix well.

4. Unroll the puff pastry and lay it in a pan previously greased or lined with parchment paper. Prick the bottom with a fork.

5. Pour the ricotta and spinach filling onto the puff pastry and level with a spatula or a spoon.

6. Fold the edges of the pastry inward to create a frame.

7. Bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C (356 °F) for about 30-35 minutes or until the surface is golden brown and the pastry is cooked.

8. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Trivia

The combination of spinach and ricotta is highly appreciated in Italian cuisine, not only for baked preparations like this savory pie. It is found, for example, also in the fillings of ravioli or other stuffed pastas. Moreover, the same mixture can be used to create delicious cannelloni or vegetarian lasagna!