Ricotta and Spinach Swirls

The ricotta and spinach swirls are a tasty and pleasantly presentable appetizer, ideal for parties or casual dinners. Here’s how to prepare them:

Ingredients

• 1 roll of rectangular puff pastry
• 250 g of ricotta cheese
• 200 g of fresh or frozen spinach
• 1 clove of garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Nutmeg to taste (optional)
• 50 g of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg yolk for brushing (optional)

Preparation

1. If using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out the excess water. If using fresh spinach, wash and blanch in a little salted water for a few minutes, then squeeze out the water and roughly chop.

2. In a pan, sauté the chopped garlic with a drizzle of olive oil (you can remove the garlic afterwards if you prefer a milder flavor); add the chopped spinach and sauté for a few minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and, if you like, a grating of nutmeg.

3. In a bowl, mix the ricotta with the Parmesan, then add the sautéed spinach and mix well to obtain a homogeneous mixture.

4. Roll out the puff pastry on a work surface and evenly spread the ricotta and spinach mixture over the surface.

5. Roll up the puff pastry on itself starting from the long side, trying to keep the roll tight.

6. With a sharp knife, cut the roll into slices about 2 cm thick. If the knife sticks, you can dampen it with a little cold water.

7. Place the swirls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, slightly spaced apart.

8. If desired, you can brush the surface of the swirls with beaten egg yolk to make them more golden.

9. Preheat the oven to 200 °C and bake the swirls for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

10. Let them cool before serving.

Curiosity

The combination of ricotta and spinach is a classic in Italian cooking, loved in both rustic and more refined preparations. Puff pastry, on the other hand, is a wild card in the kitchen that can turn simple ingredients into elegant and inviting snacks. The ricotta and spinach swirls can be customized with additions such as speck or cooked ham for an extra touch of flavor. Enjoy your meal!