Spinach Filling for Cannelloni, Ravioli, and Tortellini
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Yield: 4 servings stuffed pasta
Description:
This spinach filling is a classic choice for stuffing various pasta shapes like cannelloni, ravioli, or tortellini. With the creamy richness of feta and farmer cheese, complemented by the savory notes of onions and garlic, it’s a versatile filling that can stand on its own or serve as a base for your culinary experimentation. Feel free to customize it to your taste preferences and let your creativity soar!
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | Onions |
| 2 | Garlic cloves |
| 2 | Tablespoons Butter |
| 10 oz | Fresh Spinach |
| 4 oz | Feta Cheese |
| 4 oz | Farmer Cheese |
| 1/4 tsp | Nutmeg |
| To taste | Salt and Pepper |
| 2 | Eggs |
| 1/4 cup | Fresh Parsley, chopped |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Peel and finely chop the onions and garlic cloves.
- Wash the fresh spinach thoroughly and remove any tough stems.
- Crumble the feta cheese and farmer cheese if not already crumbled.
- Chop the fresh parsley.
-
Saute the Aromatics:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and garlic cloves, sautéing until they turn golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
-
Cook the Spinach:
- While the onions and garlic are cooking, steam the fresh spinach until it’s well wilted.
- Once cooked, remove the spinach from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.
- Once cooled, squeeze out any excess moisture from the spinach using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
-
Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed onion mixture with the cooked spinach.
- Add the crumbled feta cheese and farmer cheese to the bowl, mixing until well combined.
-
Season and Bind:
- Season the filling mixture with nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preferences.
- Beat the eggs lightly in a separate bowl, then add them to the spinach and cheese mixture, stirring until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Finally, fold in the chopped fresh parsley, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the filling.
-
Refrigerate Until Ready to Use:
- Once prepared, cover the spinach filling mixture and refrigerate it until you’re ready to stuff your pasta.
- This filling can be used immediately or stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
Recipe Tips:
- Feel free to customize this spinach filling by adding additional ingredients such as sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or pine nuts for extra flavor and texture.
- For a creamier texture, you can mix in some ricotta cheese along with the feta and farmer cheese.
- Don’t forget to season the filling generously with salt and pepper to enhance its flavors.
- This filling works wonderfully with various pasta shapes like cannelloni, ravioli, tortellini, or even as a filling for lasagna layers.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to tailor the filling to your personal taste preferences.
Enjoy creating delicious stuffed pasta dishes with this versatile spinach filling! 🍝🌿
