Welcome to our food blog, where we bring you the tastiest and most nutritious vegetarian dishes around.
Today, we’re excited to introduce you to a fantastic recipe that will satisfy your cravings for flavorful and wholesome food: Spinach Balls!
Originating from the vibrant culinary world of Sicilian cuisine, these Spinach Balls offer a delightful twist to the classic meatball.
Imagine delicate spinach leaves harmoniously blending with the indulgent richness of cheese and the comforting essence of bread, resulting in a soft and fluffy texture that will truly captivate your taste buds.
At the core of these delectable balls lies fresh spinach, packed with an array of vitamins and essential minerals that will nourish your body.
Complemented by the creamy caciocavallo cheese and the exquisite Sicilian Pecorino, each bite unveils an outstanding fusion of flavors that pay homage to the incredible gastronomic tradition of the island.
We understand that time is precious, but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality.
With a straightforward and quick preparation process, even those who are stretched for time can indulge in a homemade and mouthwatering dish.
So whether you’re in need of an appetizer, side dish, or a satisfying main course, these versatile Spinach Balls effortlessly adapt to any occasion.
But what about our gluten-free friends? Don’t fret!
You can easily substitute the stale bread with a gluten-free version or cornbread, ensuring that these delightful spinach balls become an inclusive option that caters to various dietary needs.
Ultimately, this dish allows you to savor all the goodness of Sicilian vegetables, immersing yourself in a culinary experience that flawlessly combines tradition and innovation.
So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and prepare these delightful Spinach Balls for a genuine meal bursting with authentic flavors that will leave everyone at the table thoroughly delighted. Bon appetit!
Yields and Prep Times
- Serves: 4 people
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Values per Serving of Spinach Balls
- Calories: 180-220 kcal
- Proteins: 8-10 g
- Fat: 10-12 g
- Carbohydrates: 15-18 g
- Fiber: 2-3 g
- Sugar: 1-2 g
- Sodium: 300-400 mg
Ingredients
- 300 g of fresh spinach
- 200 g of stale bread
- 2 eggs
- 50 g of diced caciocavallo cheese
- 50 g of grated Sicilian Pecorino cheese
- 1 clove of minced garlic
- salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- extra virgin olive oil
Directions
- Prepare the spinach: Begin by cleaning and thoroughly rinsing the fresh spinach. Boil them for about 5 minutes in salted boiling water until they become tender. Drain and squeeze them well to remove excess water.
- Prepare the mixture: Coarsely chop the stale bread and place it in a large bowl. Then, add the boiled spinach, eggs, grated Sicilian Pecorino cheese, cubed caciocavallo cheese, minced garlic clove, a pinch of salt, and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.
- Mix and shape the balls: Thoroughly combine all the ingredients until you have a homogeneous mixture. Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into round balls with your hands.
- Cook the balls: Heat plenty of extra virgin olive oil in a non-stick pan. Once the oil is hot, gently place the spinach balls into it. Cook them over medium-low heat for 8-10 minutes, occasionally turning them to ensure even browning on all sides.
- Drain and serve: Once the balls are nicely golden, remove them from the pan and place them on a serving plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Finally, serve the hot spinach balls and enjoy.
Wine Pairing
If you are looking for the perfect companion for your Spinach Balls, Contea di Sclafani Rosso Riserva is an excellent choice.
This still wine, with its intense ruby color and violet reflections, perfectly complements the delicate and nutritious flavor of the Spinach Balls.
Its harmonious structure and dry character balance splendidly with the softness and taste of your green bites.
When it comes to serving temperature, remember to cool your Contea di Sclafani Rosso Riserva between 16°C and 18°C (63°F), thus ensuring that its aromatic notes are fully released. To complete the experience, use balloon glasses to serve the wine.
How to Store Spinach Balls
- Cooling: Once you have cooked the Spinach Balls, let them cool completely at room temperature before storing them. This will help especially to avoid the formation of condensation inside the storage container.
- Airtight container: Store the Spinach Balls in an airtight container or a sealed plastic box to maintain their freshness. Make sure the container is tightly closed to prevent unwanted odors from penetrating the dish.
- Refrigeration: Store the Spinach Balls in the refrigerator at a temperature between 0°C and 4°C (32°F – 39°F). This way, they will stay fresh for 2-3 days. If you want to keep them for a longer period, you can also freeze them in a sealed food bag, where they will maintain their quality for about 2-3 months.
Your Culinary Adventure with Ricette di Sicilia: Spinach Balls
In conclusion, Spinach Balls are a delicious and nutritious vegetarian option that will delight your palate with their soft and rich flavor.
This versatile dish is perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or main course, and is suitable for both vegetarians and anyone who loves the taste of vegetables.
Their preparation is quick and simple, and you can personalize them with extra ingredients to your liking, such as cheeses or spices.
If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to share it on your social channels and leave a comment below!
