Spinach Ricotta Bites

Instructions

1. Prepare the Fresh Spinach: If you are using fresh spinach, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until it smells good, about a minute. Put in the spinach and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes till it wilts. Take it off the heat, let it cool, and squeeze out any extra water. Chop it up roughly.
2. Frozen spinach: Make sure it's fully melted and squeeze out as much water as you can with a clean towel or paper towels.
3. Make the Filling: In a bowl, mix together spinach, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir well until everything is combined. Adjust seasoning if needed.
4. Prepare the dough: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out puff pastry or pie dough on a floured surface until it's about an eighth of an inch thick. Cut into small squares (around 3x3 inches) or use a cookie cutter for circles.
5. Assemble the Bites: Put a spoonful of spinach ricotta mixture right in the middle of each square or circle of dough. Fold dough over filling to make little pockets. For squares, fold into triangles or rectangles; for circles, fold into half-moons. Press edges with a fork to seal them tight.
6. Place the assembled bites onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Egg Wash: In a small bowl, beat the remaining egg with one tablespoon water to make an egg wash. Brush the top of each bite with this egg wash for a nice golden finish.
8. Bake: Bake Spinach Ricotta Bites in a pre-heated oven for about 18 to 20 minutes till the pastry is golden brown and puffy. Take them out and let cool before serving.
9. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan if you want. Serve warm as a snack, appetizer, or even a side dish.

Tips and Variations

1. Dough Options: Try using puff pastry pie dough or phyllo dough for crispier bites. Phyllo will need layering and brushing each layer with butter best results. 
2. Make-Ahead: The filling can be made ahead and kept in fridge up to24 hours. Or assemble the bites ahead and freeze them uncooked When ready to bake, simply add a few minutes to the baking time.
3. Cheese Variations: Switch up cheeses and try feta mozzarella cream cheese that makes richer bite or mix cheeses like Cheddar Gruyère that give different flavors.
4. Vegetable Add-ins: If you want more veggies, then add sautéed mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes with finely chopped bell peppers for extra flavor boost.
5. Herb Boost: Fresh herbs like basil oregano thyme can be added, filling in-depth flavors.
6. No Pastry: Try low-carb version by scooping spinach ricotta mixture into muffin tins, then bake till firm.
7. Vegan Option: Dairy-free ricotta vegan Parmesan egg with flax seed, about one tablespoon ground flax with 3 tablespoons water, makes vegan filling.

For more vegetarian ideas, try our Vegetarian Spring Rolls or Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos

Nutrition Info (Per Serving—Based on 12 servings)

• Calories: You will get 130 calories with this meal.
• Protein: An amount of 5 g of protein is obtained with this meal, in which protein is very important for muscle repair and growth.
• Fat: An amount of 11 g is served, which helps you to keep on the diet track.
• Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are the fuel source of the brain; here, 10 g of carbohydrates is obtained.
• Fiber: 1 g of fiber is obtained here.
• Sugars: A 1 g of sugar is contained here depending on the fruits and honey used.
• Cholesterol: 35 mg of cholesterol is gained here.
• Sodium: 200 g of sodium is used.