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Irresistible Spinach and Ricotta Balls You Have to Try

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Learn how to make delicious Spinach and Ricotta Balls. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped (or 1/2 cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry)
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk ricotta for creaminess)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 3/4 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs (or plain breadcrumbs with a pinch of dried oregano)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but Mama Lu swore by it for depth)
  • Olive oil for brushing or light frying

Substitution Tips: If you’re watching carbs, you can swap breadcrumbs for crushed crackers or almond flour. For a dairy-free twist, try a plant-based ricotta and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Just keep in mind that these swaps will shift the texture and flavor slightly, but the heart and soul of the dish remain.

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
  2. If using fresh spinach, rinse it thoroughly and chop it finely. Sauté the spinach in a dry pan over medium heat just until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool completely. This step mirrors how Mama Lu would soften greens to keep flavors mellow and tender.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, and cooled spinach. Stir in the minced garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using. Mix gently but thoroughly.
  4. Beat the egg lightly and add it to the mixture. Stir well to combine everything evenly.
  5. Gradually fold in the breadcrumbs, a little at a time, until the mixture holds together enough to form balls without being too dry or too sticky. You might need a bit more or less depending on the moisture in your ricotta and spinach.
  6. Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch balls. Place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
  7. Brush the tops lightly with olive oil to encourage a golden crust, or for an extra touch, you can pan-fry them for 2-3 minutes per side in a skillet with a bit of olive oil before baking.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the balls are golden brown and firm to the touch.
  9. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. This resting time helps the flavors settle in, much like letting a pot roast rest after Sunday dinner.

Find it online: https://claracooking.com/spinach-and-ricotta-balls/