This rustic homemade bread combines the creamy richness of ricotta cheese with nutritious spinach, creating a beautiful swirled loaf that's perfect for any meal. The result is a tender, flavorful bread that's as impressive to look at as it is delicious to eat.
Ingredients: For the dough:
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
For the filling:
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1½ cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg
Instructions:
- Begin by making the dough. In a large bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. Add the flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- While the dough rises, prepare the filling. Wilt the spinach in a pan over medium heat, then drain well and chop finely. Mix with the ricotta, minced garlic, Parmesan, egg, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until well combined.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle, approximately 18x12 inches.
- Spread the spinach and ricotta mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the dough like a jelly roll.
- Form the roll into a spiral, tucking the end underneath. Place in a greased 9-inch round cake pan. Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Before baking, brush the top with olive oil and sprinkle with additional Parmesan if desired.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown. The bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Success:
- Make sure your yeast is fresh and active for the best rise
- Squeeze as much moisture as possible from the spinach to prevent a soggy filling
- Don't skip the second rise – it's crucial for a light, airy texture
This bread makes an excellent accompaniment to soups and salads, or enjoy it on its own as a satisfying snack. It can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days, though it's best enjoyed fresh from the oven while still slightly warm. The swirled green filling makes this bread not just delicious but also visually stunning, perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your dinner guests.
Serving Suggestions: Serve slices warm with a pat of butter, or use it to make extraordinary sandwiches. It's also delicious toasted and served alongside your favorite Italian dishes. The combination of spinach and ricotta creates a bread that's both nutritious and satisfying, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
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