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Savory plumcake with spinach and cheese heart

17/11/2023

The savory plumcake with spinach and cheese heart is a versatile dish, great as an appetizer or as a main course. Here’s how to prepare this delight that combines the Italian tradition of using spinach and cheese in cooking with the shape of a classic plumcake.

Ingredients

  • 200 g of flour
  • 3 eggs
  • 100 ml of milk
  • 100 ml of extra virgin olive oil
  • 100 g of grated cheese (Parmesan, Pecorino, according to taste)
  • 200 g of fresh or frozen spinach
  • 150 g of soft cheese of your choice (for example, ricotta, stracchino, or a spreadable cheese)
  • 1 packet of baking powder for savory cakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A pinch of nutmeg (optional)
  • Butter and breadcrumbs to grease and flour the mold

Preparation

  1. Start by preheating the oven to 180 °C and greasing and flouring a plumcake mold with breadcrumbs.
  2. If you are using fresh spinach, wash it thoroughly and wilt it in a pan with a drizzle of oil and a pinch of salt. If you’re using frozen spinach, cook it according to the instructions on the package. Once cooked, squeeze it to remove excess water and chop it coarsely.
  3. In a bowl, mix the milk with the oil and eggs until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. Add the sifted flour, baking powder, grated cheese, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Mix well to avoid lumps.
  4. Pour half of the mixture into the mold, then distribute the spinach and soft cheese in small chunks on top, leaving a free margin near the edges. Cover with the remaining dough.
  5. Bake for about 40 minutes or until the surface of the plumcake is golden and a skewer comes out clean when tested.
  6. Once cooked, let the plumcake cool for a few minutes before unmolding.

Curiosity

The plumcake, whether sweet or savory, has Anglo-Saxon origins; the savory version has then been adopted by different cuisines and adapted with typical local ingredients. Spinach, for example, is widely used in Italian cuisine and pairs perfectly with the strong flavor of cheeses.

You can serve this savory plumcake with a simple green salad or as an appetizer accompanied by a good glass of Italian white wine, fresh and slightly aromatic.