Spinach Roll

Spinach Roll: a delicious and colorful appetizer

The spinach roll is a dish that brings together not only colors and flavors but also childhood memories and pleasant moments spent with loved ones. This recipe, which I will share with you, is simple yet full of flavor. It can be served both at a festive table and as a delicious appetizer on an ordinary day.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:
- 300 g spinach (fresh or frozen)
- 3 large eggs
- 4 tablespoons of flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 300 g cream cheese (or fresh cow cheese)
- 2 tablespoons of margarine
- 1 red bell pepper

The history of the spinach roll has deep roots in culinary tradition, being a popular dish in many cultures. It is an ingenious way to use green vegetables, making it ideal for incorporating spinach into daily diets. It is also an excellent choice for those looking to add more vegetables to their meals.

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by selecting the spinach. If you use fresh spinach, wash it well and boil it for a few minutes until it softens. If you choose frozen spinach, let it thaw and drain it well of excess water. In both cases, chop the spinach finely for it to blend well into the mixture.

Step 2: Beating the egg whites
Separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they become a firm foam, which will aerate the roll. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy texture.

Step 3: Combining the ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the yolks with the chopped spinach. Then add the flour and baking powder, mixing well to avoid lumps. Gently fold in the egg whites using a spatula to maintain the air in the egg white foam.

Step 4: Baking the mixture
Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Pour the spinach mixture into the tray, smoothing it out with a spatula. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (medium heat) for 30 minutes. Check if it is baked by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, it is done. Be careful, the sheet should not be browned, otherwise it will crack when rolling.

Step 5: Cooling the spinach sheet
Once baked, remove the tray from the oven and turn the spinach sheet onto another sheet of parchment paper, face down. Carefully roll the sheet, along with the paper, and let it cool completely. This step is crucial to avoid breaking the roll.

Step 6: Preparing the filling
While the spinach sheet cools, you can prepare the filling. Cream the margarine with the cream cheese until you obtain a smooth paste. If you do not have cream cheese, you can use fresh cow cheese mixed with two tablespoons of sour cream and a pinch of salt. Add the diced red bell pepper. You can use frozen peppers if you have them for a richer flavor.

Step 7: Assembling the roll
Once the spinach sheet has cooled, spread the cheese filling evenly over its surface. Carefully roll the sheet back using the parchment paper to help you achieve a tight roll. Wrap the roll in parchment paper and refrigerate for at least an hour to firm up and hold its shape.

Step 8: Serving the roll
When it’s time to serve the roll, take it out of the fridge and cut it into slices with a sharp knife. These slices not only look tempting but are also full of color! You can serve them alongside a fresh green salad or with a yogurt and dill sauce.

Helpful tips:
- If you want to add a touch of freshness, you can include chopped dill or parsley in the filling.
- This recipe can be customized with various fillings, such as smoked salmon or sautéed mushrooms.
- The spinach roll is a perfect appetizer for parties or festive meals, but it can also be enjoyed as a healthy snack between meals.

Nutritional benefits:
Spinach is an excellent source of vitamins (A, C, K) and minerals (iron, calcium). It is also rich in antioxidants that contribute to maintaining a healthy immune system. Combined with cheese, this roll becomes not only delicious but also nutritious.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh spinach is perfect. Make sure to boil and drain it well before using.

2. How can I keep the roll longer?
You can store the roll in the fridge, covered, for 2-3 days. The longer it stays, the tastier it becomes.

3. What other fillings can I use?
You can try fillings with feta cheese, grilled vegetables, or even sliced chicken.

4. Is it suitable for vegans?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe using tofu or a mix of vegetables in a similar composition.

The spinach roll is undoubtedly a dish that will impress every time, both in appearance and taste. So don’t hesitate to try it and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!