Description
Delightful spinach and ricotta balls bring Mediterranean charm to your kitchen, blending fresh ingredients with classic Italian flair. Crispy exterior and creamy center promise a mouthwatering experience that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups (475 ml) fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup (240 ml) ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
Binding Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for drizzling
Instructions
- Carefully blend fresh spinach, creamy ricotta, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl until ingredients form a uniform consistency.
- Gently roll the verdant mixture into compact, bite-sized spheres using clean hands, ensuring each ball maintains a consistent size for even cooking.
- Arrange the delicate orbs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, maintaining slight separation between each morsel to promote optimal browning and crispiness.
- Lightly drizzle the spinach balls with fragrant olive oil, enhancing their golden exterior and adding a subtle richness.
- Position the baking sheet in a preheated 375F (190C) oven, allowing the spheres to transform into crisp, emerald-hued delicacies over 20-25 minutes.
- Remove from the oven when the exterior achieves a beautiful golden-brown color and the interior remains tender and moist.
- Transfer to a serving platter immediately, presenting these aromatic appetizers while they retain their peak temperature and textural integrity.
Notes
- Ensure spinach is well-drained to prevent soggy balls, gently squeezing out excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or parsley to enhance the flavor profile and add a vibrant green color.
- For a gluten-free version, swap regular breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to maintain the perfect texture.
- Make ahead and freeze uncooked balls for up to one month, placing them on a baking sheet and transferring to a freezer-safe container once solid.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg