Description
Delightful spinach and ricotta balls emerge as a Mediterranean-inspired appetizer that brings Italian culinary charm to your table. Crispy exterior and creamy interior promise a delectable experience you’ll savor with every bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups (480 ml) fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup (240 ml) ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
Binding Ingredients:
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
Seasoning:
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Olive oil (for frying or brushing if baking)
Instructions
- Prepare the spinach by gently sautéing in a skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until it softens and loses its raw appearance. Transfer to a plate and allow to cool completely.
- In a spacious mixing vessel, amalgamate ricotta, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until thoroughly integrated.
- Fold the cooled spinach into the cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients throughout the blend.
- Form the mixture into uniform spherical portions, approximately 1-inch in diameter. If the composition feels overly soft or sticky, refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to enhance structural integrity.
- Select your preferred cooking technique:
Oven Method: Preheat to 375F. Lightly coat balls with olive oil and arrange on a baking sheet. Roast for 18-20 minutes, rotating midway to ensure consistent golden-brown coloration.
Skillet Method: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium temperature. Fry balls for 2-3 minutes per side until exterior achieves a crisp, golden finish. Transfer to paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Air Fryer Method: Set device to 375F. Spritz basket with cooking spray, arrange balls in a single layer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, agitating basket halfway through.
- Present the spinach ricotta spheres alongside marinara sauce, tzatziki, or garlic aioli for dipping. Enhance visual appeal and flavor profile by sprinkling additional Parmesan and fresh herbs as a final garnish.
Notes
- Squeeze excess water from wilted spinach using a clean kitchen towel to prevent soggy balls that might fall apart during cooking.
- Add a small amount of almond flour or extra breadcrumbs if the mixture feels too wet, ensuring the balls hold their shape perfectly.
- Experiment with different herbs like fresh basil or thyme to customize the taste profile and add depth to the spinach balls.
- Swap ricotta for vegan cashew cheese and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to create a plant-based and gluten-free version of this versatile appetizer.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg