Ricotta and Spinach Roll

Spinach and Ricotta Roll - A Delight for Your Taste Buds

Today, I invite you to discover a special recipe together, spinach and ricotta roll, or as we say in Romanian, ruladă cu urdă și spanac. This dish is not only delicious but also simple to make, quickly becoming a favorite in everyone's kitchen. Whether you enjoy it for lunch or dinner, this recipe will bring a touch of freshness and flavor to your table.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

For the dough:
- 200 g flour
- 2 eggs
- water (as needed)
- a pinch of salt

For the filling:
- 500 g ricotta or urda
- 300 g fresh spinach
- 1 egg
- 50 g grated cheese
- 1 small onion
- fresh dill (to taste)
- 2 cloves of garlic
- grated nutmeg (to taste)
- salt and pepper (to taste)

The preparation of this roll is divided into two essential steps: preparing the dough and assembling the filling. Let's get started!

1. Preparing the dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour with the eggs and a pinch of salt. Mix well, then gradually add water until you obtain a smooth and elastic dough, similar to homemade pasta.
- Cover the dough with a damp towel and set it aside to rest. This step is essential as it allows the gluten to relax, making it easier to roll out later.

2. Preparing the filling:
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and blanch the spinach for 5 minutes. This process helps maintain the vibrant color and nutrients in the spinach.
- After blanching, drain the spinach well and chop it finely. It is important to remove excess water to avoid altering the texture of the roll.
- In a separate bowl, combine the chopped spinach with the onion, garlic, and dill, all finely chopped. Add the ricotta or urda, egg, and grated cheese. Mix well, then add grated nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste. Ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.

3. Assembling the roll:
- Now it's time to roll out the dough! Use a rolling pin to achieve a thin sheet. The thinner it is, the more delicate the roll will be.
- Place the filling on the dough sheet, leaving a small space at the edges to prevent the filling from spilling out. Carefully roll the dough, ensuring it is tight but not squished.
- Once you have formed the roll, wrap it in a clean towel (ideally washed the day before in vinegar water to disinfect the fibers) and tie the ends with string.

4. Boiling the roll:
- Place a large pot of salted water to boil. When the water is boiling, add the wrapped roll. Let it boil for 30-35 minutes. This step ensures even cooking of the roll and keeps the filling moist and flavorful.
- Carefully remove the roll from the water using a spatula or slotted spoon, being cautious of the hot steam. Unwrap the towel and slice the roll into pieces about 4-5 cm thick.

5. Baking the roll:
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Prepare a heat-resistant dish where you will place the roll slices cut side up.
- Bake the roll for 15 minutes until it becomes slightly golden on top. This step will enhance the flavors and create a delicious crust.

Serving suggestions:
To fully enjoy this spinach and ricotta roll, I recommend serving it with a generous drizzle of sour cream over the warm slices, and sprinkle grated Parmesan on top. This combination will add extra creaminess and flavor!

Nutritional benefits:
This roll is packed with nutrients thanks to its ingredients. Spinach is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium. Ricotta or urda provides protein and calcium, while the egg contributes to healthy digestion. By using whole ingredients, this recipe becomes not just a culinary delight but also a healthy choice.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, frozen spinach can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain it well to eliminate excess water.

- Can I replace ricotta with another type of cheese?
Of course! You can try feta or cottage cheese, but the final taste will vary.

- How can I adapt the recipe for vegetarians?
This recipe is already vegetarian, but you can add extra vegetables, such as mushrooms or zucchini.

Possible variations:
- Try adding herbs like basil or oregano for an extra flavor boost.
- You can replace spinach with other green vegetables like kale or broccoli to vary the taste.

This spinach and ricotta roll is more than just a recipe; it's a family story, a childhood memory, a moment of joy around the table. Cooking is an art, and once you try this recipe, you'll surely want to make it again! Enjoy every bite and savor the warmth that each meal brings. Bon appétit!