Tricolor Roll

The tricolor roll is an impressive appetizer, both in appearance and taste, perfect for enhancing any festive table. This recipe will not only add a splash of color to your platter but will also delight the taste buds of your guests. Whether you serve it at a birthday party, a traditional celebration, or simply on a special family evening, the tricolor roll will surely be a star of the meal.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 2 hours
Total time: 2 hours and 50 minutes
Number of servings: 10

The ingredients for the roll are simple, but each brings a part of the charm of this recipe. We will prepare three colored doughs: one orange, one yellow, and one green, followed by a delicious cheese-based filling.

Ingredients:

For the orange dough:
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1/3 packet baking powder
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- salt, to taste

For the yellow dough:
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 100 g cow cheese (or feta cheese, if you prefer)
- 1/3 packet baking powder
- salt, to taste

For the green dough:
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- 1/3 packet baking powder
- 100 g cooked and chopped spinach
- salt, to taste

For the filling:
- 300 g cream cheese
- 100 g sour cream
- salt, to taste
- 1/2 bunch fresh dill, chopped
- 100 g chicken ham, diced

Step by step preparation:

1. Preparing the doughs: Start by preparing the three doughs. Separately, in a bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy. This step is important as it will give the roll a fluffy texture. In another bowl, mix the egg yolks with the oil, then add the sour cream, flour, baking powder, and the ingredient that will give it its specific color (hot sauce for the orange dough, cheese for the yellow one, and spinach for the green one). Finally, gently fold in the beaten egg whites, mixing with a spatula to retain the air in the mixture.

2. Baking the doughs: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Using a plastic bag with the tip cut off, pour each mixture into the tray, alternating colors. This will create a beautiful and vibrant look. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until a toothpick test comes out clean.

3. Cooling and rolling: Once the doughs are baked, remove them from the oven and place another sheet of baking paper on top, then carefully flip everything over. Remove the baking paper from the bottom. Roll it up using the baking paper so that you get a tight cylinder. Let the roll cool completely.

4. Preparing the filling: In a bowl, combine the cream cheese with the sour cream, chopped dill, and diced ham. Add salt to taste. Mix well to obtain a homogeneous composition.

5. Assembling the roll: Unroll the cooled roll and spread the filling evenly over the entire surface. Then, carefully roll it up again, using the baking paper as a guide. Wrap the roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up and blend the flavors.

6. Serving: After it has been in the fridge, cut the roll into thick slices. You can serve it alongside other appetizers, such as olives, cheeses, or fresh vegetables. It is a perfect appetizer to be paired with a glass of white wine or a light cocktail.

Practical tips:
- Choose quality ingredients: Use fresh cheese and high-quality sour cream to achieve a filling rich in flavors.
- Filling variations: You can experiment with different fillings, adding olives, peppers, or even avocado for a more sophisticated taste.
- Step by step: If you are a beginner, you can prepare each dough separately to familiarize yourself with the process before combining them.

Nutritional benefits:
The tricolor roll is not only delicious but also offers nutritional benefits. Spinach is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, while cheese provides protein and calcium, essential for bone health. Additionally, hot sauce can boost metabolism.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other ingredients for colors?
Yes, you can experiment with beet or carrot powders to achieve different colors and flavors.

- How do I store the roll?
The roll can be stored in the fridge, well wrapped, for 3-4 days, but it is best consumed fresh.

- Can I freeze the roll?
Generally, I do not recommend freezing, as the consistency of the filling may change.

A personal note:
This tricolor roll recipe reminds me of family meals, where my grandmother prepared the most beautiful appetizers. Every meal was a celebration, and her roll was always a favorite. I encourage you to put your personal touch on the recipe and share special moments with your loved ones.

I invite you to enjoy making this tricolor roll and to turn it into a tradition in your kitchen!