Spinach appetizer cake

Spinach Appetizer Cake: A Green Delight

If you are a spinach lover, I invite you to discover this spinach appetizer cake recipe, which combines the fresh aroma of the vegetable with creamy textures and a unique flavor. Spinach has been appreciated over time, not only for its taste but also for the nutritional benefits it brings. This cake is perfect as a snack but also as an appetizer at a festive meal.

Total preparation time: 90 minutes
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 60-70 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:
- 500 g fresh spinach
- 200 g telemea or fresh cheese (like cottage cheese)
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 150 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3 eggs
- 120 ml warm milk
- 80 ml sunflower oil
- 50 g butter
- salt
- pepper
- oregano (for decoration)

Step-by-Step Preparation:

1. Preparing the Spinach: Start by washing the spinach leaf by leaf. It is important to ensure that no impurities remain. After washing, place it in a pot of boiling water and blanch for 2-3 minutes. This step is essential to preserve its vibrant color and improve its texture. After blanching, drain the spinach and let it cool, then chop it finely.

2. Sautéing the Spinach: In a pan, add 50 g of butter and let it melt over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This process will enhance the spinach's flavor and add a touch of taste to the dish. A personal suggestion: it would be wonderful to add a few cloves of green garlic, finely chopped, for an even more interesting flavor.

3. Preparing the Batter: In a large bowl, sift the flour and add the baking powder, mixing well to avoid lumps. Then, add the 3 eggs, one at a time, and mix vigorously with a spoon until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. Start incorporating the oil gradually, followed by the warm milk.

4. Incorporating the Aromatic Ingredients: Wash and finely chop the dill, then add it to your batter. Next, incorporate the sautéed spinach and crumbled telemea. Mix all the ingredients well, ensuring that the spinach and cheese are evenly distributed. Before finishing, taste the mixture and adjust the salt to your preference.

5. Preparing the Baking Pan: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Prepare a loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper. This will help prevent the cake from sticking and make it easier to remove from the pan. Carefully pour the mixture into the pan and sprinkle oregano on top for an aromatic touch.

6. Baking: Place the pan in the preheated oven and let it bake for 60-70 minutes. It is important not to open the oven door in the first 30 minutes to allow the cake to rise evenly. Use a toothpick to check if it is baked – if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

7. Serving: After removing it from the oven, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. You can serve it warm, but it is just as delicious cold. I recommend pairing it with green onions or radishes for a crunchy and fresh contrast.

Nutritional Benefits:
Spinach is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as iron and calcium. It is also low in calories, making it an ideal ingredient for a healthy diet. This spinach appetizer cake has, on average, about 200 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used.

Possible Variations:
You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, to add different flavor notes. You can also incorporate other vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, to diversify the recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen spinach? Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain it well before using.
- How can I store the cake? It keeps well in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days. It can be reheated in the microwave or oven.
- Is this recipe suitable for vegans? You can replace the eggs with a vegan alternative and the telemea with vegan cheese to adapt the recipe.

Surely, this spinach appetizer cake will become a favorite in your kitchen. So, don't hesitate to try it and share it with your loved ones! Enjoy!