Green Roll

Green Roll with Broccoli and Cream Cheese: A Healthy and Tasty Delicacy

When it comes to cooking, childhood memories are the most beautiful. The recipe I will share with you today is inspired by one my mother used to prepare with a lot of love – a roll with spinach. However, I decided to make some adjustments and replace the spinach with broccoli, bringing a fresh and healthy touch. This green roll is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it perfect for a light meal or as an appetizer at a party.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:

For the base:
- 4 fresh eggs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or canola oil
- 3 tablespoons yogurt or buttermilk
- 4 tablespoons oat bran flour
- 2 tablespoons starch
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 300-400 g fresh broccoli
- Salt to taste

For the filling:
- 250 g cream cheese or cottage cheese
- 3 hard-boiled eggs
- 2 tablespoons yogurt
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 200 g light turkey ham
- 1 pickled bell pepper

Preparation:

1. Boiling the broccoli: Start by washing the broccoli florets well. In a large pot, add water with a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the broccoli and let it boil for 4-5 minutes until it becomes tender. Be careful not to overcook it, as you want to keep a vibrant color and nutrients. After boiling, drain it well and puree it using a blender or potato masher. Add salt and olive oil, mixing well.

2. Preparing the base mixture: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with a whisk or mixer until frothy. Add the oil and yogurt, continuing to mix. In another bowl, combine the oat bran flour, starch, and baking powder. Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the beaten eggs, then add the broccoli puree. Mix gently but thoroughly to obtain a uniform mixture.

3. Preparing the dough: Prepare a large baking tray by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it with a little oil. Pour the base mixture into the tray, smoothing it with a spatula. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the roll for 15-20 minutes until it becomes golden and firm to the touch. Once ready, let it cool completely.

4. Preparing the filling: In a separate bowl, mix the cream cheese with the hard-boiled eggs, mashed with a fork. Add the yogurt and mustard, mixing well to obtain a uniform paste. Then, cut the turkey ham into thin strips and prepare the pickled bell pepper by slicing it or cubing it.

5. Assembling the roll: Once the base has cooled, spread it on a damp towel, being careful not to break it. Evenly apply a layer of cream cheese, then add the strips of turkey ham and slices of pickled pepper. Using the towel, gently roll the base, ensuring the filling doesn't spill out. Wrap the roll in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up.

6. Serving: When serving, use a very sharp knife to cut the roll into thin slices. These can be arranged on a platter and decorated with a few lettuce leaves or olives for an elegant look. The green roll with broccoli and cream cheese pairs perfectly with a dry white wine or a fresh lime and mint cocktail, adding an extra flavor to the meal.

Nutritional benefits: This roll is rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins, thanks to the healthy ingredients used. Broccoli is known for its antioxidant properties, being an excellent source of vitamins C, K, and folic acid. Additionally, cottage cheese provides a good dose of calcium and protein, making this dish an ideal choice for a balanced diet.

Possible variations: You can experiment with different vegetables, such as spinach, zucchini, or carrots, depending on your preferences. You can also replace the turkey ham with boiled chicken breast or a mix of sautéed vegetables for a vegetarian option.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other types of cheese?: Of course! You can use feta or ricotta cheese for a different flavor.
2. How can I make a gluten-free roll?: Replace the oat bran flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
3. How long can it be kept in the fridge?: The roll can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days, covered with plastic wrap.

I hope you will try this delicious and healthy recipe! It is a perfect choice for any occasion and will surely impress everyone. Cooking is an art, and this green roll with broccoli and cream cheese is a true masterpiece worth savoring!