Fagottini ai Broccoli e Ricotta: A Flavorful Italian Appetizer
If you’re looking for a delightful appetizer that brings together the rich flavors of broccoli, creamy ricotta, and savory sausage, then look no further than Fagottini ai Broccoli e Ricotta. This recipe features a perfect blend of vegetables, cheese, and sausage wrapped in a flaky, golden puff pastry—sure to impress your guests at any gathering. Ideal for a light lunch or a flavorful starter for dinner, these pockets of goodness are simple to prepare yet packed with flavor.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Broccoli | 200g |
| Potatoes | 120g |
| Ricotta cheese (cow’s milk) | 200g |
| Sausage (bulk, crumbled) | 200g |
| Egg yolk | 1 |
| Fine salt | to taste |
| Black pepper | to taste |
| Puff pastry | 230g |
| Butter | 30g |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: ~350
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
Note: These values are approximations and may vary based on specific ingredient brands and proportions.
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Vegetables:
Start by washing and trimming the broccoli. Cut it into florets, and set aside. Peel and dice the potatoes into small cubes. Bring two separate pots of water to a boil—one for the potatoes and the other for the broccoli. Add the potatoes to one pot and the broccoli to the other. Cook both vegetables until tender but still firm, about 10 minutes for the broccoli and 12-15 minutes for the potatoes. Drain them well and set them aside to cool. -
Cook the Sausage:
While the vegetables are cooking, heat a pan over medium heat and add a knob of butter. Once melted, crumble the sausage into the pan and cook until browned and crispy, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula as it cooks. Once done, remove from the heat and set aside. -
Mix the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, season the ricotta cheese with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add the cooked broccoli and potatoes to the bowl, mashing the vegetables lightly to create a chunky texture. Stir in the cooked sausage, ensuring all ingredients are well combined. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper to taste. Add the egg yolk to the mixture, stirring until everything is nicely blended. -
Assemble the Fagottini:
Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut the pastry into squares large enough to hold the vegetable and ricotta filling. Spoon a generous portion of the filling into the center of each square. Fold the edges of the pastry over the filling to form a neat parcel or “fagottino,” ensuring the edges are sealed tightly. If necessary, use a fork to crimp the edges and secure the dough. -
Bake:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) with the fan on. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the filled pastry parcels on it. Brush the tops of each fagottino with a little melted butter or an egg wash for a golden, glossy finish. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and fully cooked through. -
Serve:
Once the fagottini are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these warm, cheesy, and savory pockets as an appetizer or a tasty snack!
These Fagottini ai Broccoli e Ricotta are a perfect blend of textures and flavors—from the crispiness of the pastry to the creamy, herby ricotta filling. The addition of sausage adds a savory punch, while the broccoli and potatoes make the filling rich and hearty. Whether served as part of an antipasto platter or as a stand-alone snack, these delicate parcels are sure to become a favorite on your dinner table.
For a variation, feel free to swap the sausage for another protein or add herbs like basil or thyme to the ricotta mixture to suit your taste. Pair these delightful fagottini with a chilled glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea to complete your Italian-inspired meal.
Tips:
- Pastry: If you prefer homemade puff pastry, it can add an extra level of indulgence. Otherwise, store-bought puff pastry works wonderfully for a quicker preparation.
- Serving: Serve these fagottini with a side of marinara sauce or a simple arugula salad to balance the richness of the filling.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days, and they can be reheated in the oven to maintain their crispiness.
Enjoy this delicious Italian-inspired dish, perfect for entertaining or simply indulging in a comforting, flavorful snack!
