Sformato di Spinaci: A Delicious Italian Spinach Flan

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#Sformato di spinaci

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Course Side Dish

Cuisine Italian

Equipment

• Mixing bowl, whisk, saucepan, baking dish, oven, stovetop

Ingredients

  

• 500 g fresh spinach or frozen, thawed and drained
• 3 large eggs
• 250 ml milk or dairy-free milk for a lactose-free version
• 100 g grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for a vegan version
• 100 g ricotta cheese or a dairy-free alternative
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Nutmeg a pinch
• Butter or oil for greasing the baking dish

Instructions

 

• Step 1: Prepare the Spinach
• Blanch the Spinach: If using fresh spinach, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spinach and blanch for about 2 minutes until wilted. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. If using frozen spinach, ensure it is fully thawed and drained.
• Chop the Spinach: Once cool, squeeze out any excess water from the spinach and chop it finely.
• Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
• Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F).
• Combine the Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, ricotta cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Add the chopped spinach, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Mix until well combined.
• Grease the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with butter or oil.
• Step 3: Bake
• Pour the Mixture: Transfer the spinach mixture into the greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top for a golden crust.
• Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until set and lightly golden on top. The flan should spring back when gently touched.
• Step 4: Cool and Serve
• Cool Slightly: Allow the Sformato di Spinaci to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This makes it easier to serve.
• Serve Warm or Cold: It can be enjoyed warm as a main dish or chilled as a refreshing side.
• Variations and Tips
• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like zucchini or carrots for added flavor and nutrients.
• Cheese Substitutions: Use any cheese you prefer or have on hand, such as goat cheese or mozzarella.
• Vegan Option: Replace eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water = 1 egg) and use plant-based cheese and milk alternatives.

Sformato di Spinaci, or spinach flan, is a delightful Italian dish that blends the earthy flavors of spinach with creamy cheese and eggs. This dish is not only tasty but also versatile great as a starter or a side dish. From my own personal experience, it’s a wonderful way to sneak in some greens while enjoying a hearty, flavorful meal. Let me show you how I make this fantastic dish step-by-step.

Notes on What to Expect

Sformato di Spinaci should have a light and airy texture, with a rich flavor from the cheeses and a hint of nutmeg. It’s perfect for gatherings, as it can be made ahead of time and served at room temperature or reheated. From my own personal experience, it’s a crowd-pleaser and an excellent way to use up leftover spinach.

Quick Meal Facts

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Time to Stand: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Ease of Cooking: Easy
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 200 per serving
• Cost of Ingredients: Around $10 (may vary)
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main or Side Dish
• Equipment Needed: Mixing bowl, whisk, saucepan, baking dish, oven, stovetop
• Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making  #sformatodispinaci here

Ingredients

• 500g fresh spinach (or frozen, thawed and drained)
• 3 large eggs
• 250ml milk (or dairy-free milk for a lactose-free version)
• 100g grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan version)
• 100g ricotta cheese (or a dairy-free alternative)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Nutmeg (a pinch)
• Butter or oil for greasing the baking dish
• Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making  #sformatodispinaci here

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach

1. Blanch the Spinach: If using fresh spinach, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spinach and blanch for about 2 minutes until wilted. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. If using frozen spinach, ensure it is fully thawed and drained.
2. Chop the Spinach: Once cool, squeeze out any excess water from the spinach and chop it finely.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Combine the Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, ricotta cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Add the chopped spinach, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Mix until well combined.
3. Grease the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with butter or oil.

Step 3: Bake

1. Pour the Mixture: Transfer the spinach mixture into the greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top for a golden crust.
2. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until set and lightly golden on top. The flan should spring back when gently touched.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

1. Cool Slightly: Allow the Sformato di Spinaci to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This makes it easier to serve.
2. Serve Warm or Cold: It can be enjoyed warm as a main dish or chilled as a refreshing side.

Variations and Tips

• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like zucchini or carrots for added flavor and nutrients.
• Cheese Substitutions: Use any cheese you prefer or have on hand, such as goat cheese or mozzarella.
• Vegan Option: Replace eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water = 1 egg) and use plant-based cheese and milk alternatives.
• Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making  #sformatodispinaci here

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 200
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 2g

Troubleshooting Tips

• Too Watery: If the mixture seems too runny, add a little more cheese or let it sit for a few minutes to thicken before baking.
• Not Setting: Ensure the oven is fully preheated and the dish is baked long enough; if it’s not browning, you can cover it with foil to prevent over-browning while it cooks through.