Spinach and Feta Cheese Rotolo
Spinach and Feta Cheese Rotolo is an indulgent Italian dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion. This dish features delicate homemade pasta dough filled with a savory spinach and feta cheese mixture, all smothered in a luscious spinach white sauce. The result is a beautiful and comforting main course that pairs wonderfully with a light salad or a side of roasted vegetables. This recipe brings together the earthy flavor of spinach, the tangy creaminess of feta cheese, and a silky spinach sauce that elevates the entire dish.
Ingredients
For the Pasta Dough
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Whole wheat flour | 1 cup |
| All-purpose flour (maida) | 1/4 cup |
| Whole egg | 1 |
| Salt | To taste |
For the Filling
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Spinach (chopped) | 1 cup |
| Garlic (chopped) | 4-5 cloves |
| Feta cheese (grated) | 100 grams |
| Black pepper powder | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
For the Spinach Sauce
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| All-purpose flour (maida) | 2 tablespoons |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Spinach (pureed) | 1/4 cup |
| Dried thyme leaves | 1 sprig |
| Black pepper powder | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Course: Main Course
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Make the Pasta Dough:
Start by preparing the pasta dough. In a mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, egg, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add water, mixing until the dough comes together and is soft and smooth. Knead the dough for a few minutes until it becomes elastic. Once ready, cover the dough with cling film and refrigerate for 10 minutes to rest. -
-
Prepare the Spinach Filling:
Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach and garlic, and sauté until the spinach wilts and releases all its moisture. Once the spinach has cooked down, remove it from the pan and let it cool slightly. Once cooled, mix the spinach with the grated feta cheese and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Set the filling aside. -
Make the Spinach Sauce:
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously until the flour forms a crumbly texture. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking quickly to avoid any lumps. Continue to whisk until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the pureed spinach and dried thyme leaves, then season with salt and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes. The sauce should be slightly runny—if it’s too thick, add a bit more milk. -
Roll the Pasta Dough:
Once the dough has rested, roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle, approximately 20×12 inches in size. Roll it to about 1/8-inch thickness, ensuring it is even across the surface. Orient the dough with the long edge facing you. -
Fill the Pasta:
Spread an even layer of the spinach and feta cheese filling along the long edge of the dough. Carefully roll the dough tightly over the filling, making sure it’s secure. Use a little water to seal the edges of the dough to prevent the filling from spilling out. -
Cut and Cook the Rotolo:
Once the dough is rolled, use a sharp knife to cut the roll into 2 ½-inch thick rounds. Arrange the rotolos in a baking pan, placing them cut side up. Pour the prepared spinach white sauce over the top, ensuring each rotolo is coated in the creamy sauce. Arrange some broccoli florets around the rotolos, and sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. -
Simmer:
Cover the pan with a lid and cook on low heat for about 10 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together, and the cheese to melt perfectly. -
Serve:
Once the rotolos are done, serve them hot with a garnish of fresh herbs or a side of sautéed vegetables. For an extra touch, you can pair this dish with a side of White Bean Salad with Onions and Bell Peppers for a refreshing contrast to the rich rotolos.
Tips and Variations
- Spinach: You can use fresh or frozen spinach for the filling. If using frozen spinach, ensure it’s fully thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture.
- Cheese: If you’re not a fan of feta, you can substitute it with ricotta, mozzarella, or even Parmesan cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Sauce Variations: The spinach sauce can be enriched with a little cream or grated Parmesan cheese for an even creamier texture.
- Additional Vegetables: For added color and nutrition, you can add roasted red peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or even some sun-dried tomatoes to the filling.
This Spinach and Feta Cheese Rotolo is a comforting, savory dish that brings a fresh twist to traditional Italian flavors. Perfect for a vegetarian main course, it’s a wonderful option for a weekend dinner or a special meal with loved ones.
