Ricette di Sicilia

Name: Spinach Balls: A Healthy Appetizer
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 300 g fresh spinach; 200 g stale bread; 2 eggs; 50 g cubed caciocavallo cheese; 50 g grated Pecorino Siciliano cheese; 1 clove garlic, minced; Salt; Freshly ground black pepper; Extra virgin olive oil

Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane

Spinach Balls: A Healthy Appetizer

Discover how to make Spinach Balls: A Healthy Appetizer that’s packed with flavor, perfect for any occasion, and easy to prepare!

Author: Maria Russo • Published on: February 23, 2023

Categories: Appetizers

Tags: garlic extra virgin olive oil bread pecorino cheese black pepper salt spinach eggs

⏱️

Prep Time

25 minutes

🔥

Cook Time

10 minutes

👥

Servings

📊

Difficulty

Easy

💰 Low

🗓️ All year

⭐ 4.8/5

🛒 Ingredients

✓ 300 g fresh spinach

✓ 200 g stale bread

✓ 2 eggs

✓ 50 g cubed caciocavallo cheese

✓ 50 g grated Pecorino Siciliano cheese

✓ 1 clove garlic, minced

✓ Salt

✓ Freshly ground black pepper

✓ Extra virgin olive oil

📊 Nutritional Information

Calories

180-220

Protein

Good source

Fat

Moderate

Carbohydrates

Moderate

Fiber

Good source

Sugars

Low

Sodium

Moderate

Spinach balls have long been a beloved staple in Sicilian kitchens, and this recipe by Maria Russo brings a delightful twist to this classic vegetarian dish.
Packed with the vibrant flavours of fresh spinach and the rich creaminess of caciocavallo and Pecorino Siciliano cheeses, these spinach balls offer a tantalising experience for your taste buds.
Perfect as an appetiser or a light meal, they are best enjoyed fresh off the skillet, their crispy exterior giving way to a tender, flavourful centre.
Whether served at a summer gathering or as a cosy winter treat, these spinach balls are sure to impress.

👨‍🍳 Preparation

1

Wash the spinach thoroughly. Boil it in salted water for about 5 minutes until tender. Drain and squeeze out any excess water.
2

Roughly chop the stale bread and place it in a large mixing bowl. Add the cooked spinach, eggs, caciocavallo cheese, Pecorino cheese, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
3

Mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Shape the mixture into small balls using your hands.
4

Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet. Place the spinach balls in the skillet and cook over medium-low heat for 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure even browning.
5

Once golden brown and crispy, remove the spinach balls from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

💡 Tips and Variations

For a gluten-free option, substitute stale bread with gluten-free bread or cornbread. If you can't find caciocavallo, use provolone as a substitute. Parmesan can be used instead of Pecorino Siciliano.

📦 Storage

• Allow spinach balls to cool completely before storing.
• Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a few days.
• For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe bags for up to two months.

🍷 Pairing

Pair these spinach balls with a refreshing glass of Grillo, a Sicilian white wine that complements their rich, cheesy flavours.

Thank you for trying this recipe for spinach balls! We hope you savour every bite of these delicious and healthy appetisers. Don't hesitate to share this dish with friends and family, and enjoy the delightful flavours of Sicily right at home!

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Ricette di Sicilia

Spinach Balls: A Healthy Appetizer