Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach (or 2 cups frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese (full-fat or part-skim)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 package of puff pastry (about 8 sheets)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- A pinch of nutmeg (optional, for extra flavor)
Ingredient Highlights
- Spinach: A nutrient powerhouse, spinach is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and fiber. It’s the perfect vegetable to pair with ricotta for a delicious, healthy filling.
- Ricotta Cheese: This mild, creamy cheese is a key ingredient in the filling. It blends beautifully with spinach and provides a smooth texture that balances out the slight bitterness of the spinach.
- Puff Pastry: Puff pastry is light, flaky, and perfect for wrapping around the spinach and ricotta filling, giving the rolls a crisp and golden texture.
- Herbs and Spices: The addition of dried oregano, basil, and a hint of nutmeg enhances the flavors of the filling, making these rolls extra flavorful.
Instructions
Prepare the Filling:
- Cook the Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the Spinach: If using fresh spinach, add it to the pan and cook until wilted, stirring occasionally. If using frozen spinach, add it after thawing and draining, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to remove excess moisture. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Combine the Cheese and Herbs: Transfer the cooked spinach mixture to a large mixing bowl. Stir in the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan (if using), dried oregano, dried basil, and a pinch of nutmeg. Mix well until all the ingredients are combined, and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Let the Filling Cool: Allow the filling to cool slightly while you prepare the puff pastry.
Assemble the Rolls:
- Prepare the Pastry: Lay the sheets of puff pastry on a flat surface. If using frozen pastry, ensure it’s thawed completely before using. Cut each sheet into 3 equal strips lengthwise.
- Fill the Pastry: Spoon a generous amount of the spinach and ricotta filling onto the center of each pastry strip. Be careful not to overfill, as the pastry may tear during rolling.
- Roll the Pastry: Gently fold the edges of the pastry over the filling to create a roll. Press the edges together to seal, and place the rolls seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the Rolls:
- Brush with Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the rolls with a beaten egg for a golden, shiny finish.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the rolls for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the rolls to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 9g