Title: Embark on a Culinary Journey with Italian Spinach Torta: A Symphony of Flavors and Textures
Embrace the culinary artistry of Italy with the delectable Italian Spinach Torta, a masterpiece that harmonizes the vibrant flavors of spinach, ricotta cheese, and Parmigiano-Reggiano. This savory pie boasts a crisp, golden crust that encases a luscious filling, creating a symphony of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Our collection of recipes offers variations on this classic dish, catering to diverse preferences and dietary restrictions. From the traditional Italian Spinach Torta to gluten-free and vegan alternatives, you'll find the perfect recipe to suit your culinary desires. Get ready to savor the essence of Italy with each bite of this delectable torta.
TORTA DI RISO
I made this delicious and rustic torta di riso with fresh spinach and leeks, but the recipe is a perfect catch-all for those abundant summer vegetables. Things like eggplant, peppers, beans, and squash all work beautifully. Just cut them kind of small, cook them tender, and let the rice, cheese, and eggs do the rest.
Provided by Chef John
Categories Main Dish Recipes
Time 1h
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Brush a pie plate with 1 tablespoon olive and dust with 1 tablespoon Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
- Heat remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir leeks with a pinch of salt in hot oil until leeks are soft and sweet, 5 to 10 minutes. Stir garlic into leeks and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir leek mixture, rice, spinach, 3/4 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, eggs, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and nutmeg together in a bowl. Transfer spinach-rice mixture to the prepared pie dish and smooth the surface with a spatula; dust the top with remaining 1 tablespoon Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven until torta is lightly browned around the outside and firm to the touch, 35 to 40 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 232.4 calories, Carbohydrate 25.2 g, Cholesterol 72.3 mg, Fat 10.3 g, Fiber 3.2 g, Protein 11.1 g, SaturatedFat 3.4 g, Sodium 654 mg, Sugar 2.4 g
SPINACH RICOTTA TORTA
we love spinach and this easy torta is easy to get on the table. i've included the recipe for a yeasted olive oil pastry that you can make a day ahead or keep on hand in the freezer. it's great for a crowd. also feel free to add mushrooms, roasted peppers or whatever calls to you.
Provided by stephanie tate @state
Number Of Ingredients 20
Steps:
- Roll three-quarters of the pastry into a 15x19 rectangle. Fit the pastry in an oiled half sheet pan. Shape a lip around the edge and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add spinach and then almost immediately remove to a bowl of ice water. Drain and chop.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add red onion. Allow to cook until soft. About 5 min. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. About 1 min.
- Beat egg in a large bowl. Beat in ricotta. Stir in the spinach, onions, cheeses and seasonings.
- Spread over the pastry dough. Lattice the remaining pastry dough and brush with egg wash.
- Bake in pre-heated 375 degree oven for 30 minutes or until golden.
- For the pastry dough - dissolve yeast in water and then add sugar. Allow to sit for about 5 minutes or until creamy.
- Beat in egg and olive oil.
- Combine flours and salt and then stir into the yeast mixture. I do this by hand with bowl and a wooden spoon. If you have a mixer use the paddle. Work the dough until it's a cohesive mass, add flour as you need to.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth. Be careful to not overwork the dough.
- Shape into a ball and place into a lightly oiled glass bowl. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rise for about one hour or until doubled in size.
- On a lightly floured surface gently knead the dough a couple of times and then cut into 2 pieces. Cover loosely and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Roll-out according to your recipe needs.
ITALIAN BRUNCH TORTE
We always serve this impressive layered breakfast bake with a salad of mixed greens and tomato wedges. It is one of our most requested dishes and can be served warm or cold. -Danny Diamond, Farmington Hills, Michigan
Provided by Taste of Home
Time 1h50m
Yield 12 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°. Place a greased 9-in. springform pan on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 18 in. square). Securely wrap foil around pan. Unroll 1 tube of crescent dough and separate into triangles. Press onto bottom of prepared pan to form a crust, sealing seams well. Bake until set, 10-15 minutes., Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add spinach and mushrooms; cook and stir until mushrooms are tender. Drain on several layers of paper towels, blotting well. In a large bowl, whisk 6 eggs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning and pepper., Layer crust with half of each of the following: ham, salami, provolone cheese, red peppers and spinach mixture. Pour half of the egg mixture over top. Repeat layers; top with remaining egg mixture., On a work surface, unroll and separate remaining crescent dough into triangles. Press together to form a circle and seal seams; place over filling. Whisk remaining egg; brush over dough., Bake, uncovered, until a thermometer reads 160°, 1 to 1-1/4 hours, covering loosely with foil if needed to prevent overbrowning. Carefully loosen sides from pan with a knife; remove rim from pan. Let stand 20 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 403 calories, Fat 24g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 167mg cholesterol, Sodium 1360mg sodium, Carbohydrate 19g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 23g protein.
TORTA RUSTICA WITH RICOTTA AND SPINACH
Torta rustica (also called pizza rustica) is a rich, ricotta-stuffed pie that's traditionally baked for Easter in Southern Italy. This version includes greens (either spinach or chard) for color and freshness. The ham is optional; feel free to leave it out, or substitute chopped olives or sundried tomatoes if you're looking for a similar savory bite. The crust, adapted from Nancy Harmon Jenkins's 2007 cookbook, "Cucina del Sole," is sturdy and slightly sweet, which makes a nice contrast to the salty filling. (For more on producing a lattice-style crust, see our How to Make Pie Crust guide.)
Provided by Melissa Clark
Categories pies and tarts, main course
Time 2h
Yield 10 to 12 servings
Number Of Ingredients 22
Steps:
- Make the dough: In a food processor, pulse together the flour, sugar and salt. Add butter and pulse until the mixture forms lima bean-size pieces. Alternatively, mix together flour, sugar and salt in a large bowl, then add butter, working the pieces into the flour with your hands, squeezing and pinching them until the mixture looks like oatmeal.
- Add egg, egg white and lemon zest, and pulse after each addition. If working by hand, whisk together egg, egg white and lemon zest in a separate bowl, then mix into the butter mixture. Slowly add iced wine, 1 tablespoon at a time, and pulse or mix by hand until the dough just comes together. You may not need all the liquid. The dough should be moist, but not wet.
- Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and gather and press it into a ball. Divide into 2 portions, one slightly larger than the other, and shape into disks. Wrap the disks tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 5 days.
- When ready to bake, heat oven to 375 degrees.
- Make the filling: If your ricotta seems watery, put it in a sieve and let it drain while you cook the spinach.
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Stir in garlic and a large pinch of salt, and continue to cook until spinach is very dry, about 2 minutes longer. Transfer to a large bowl to cool. If any liquid accumulates as the spinach sits, pour it out of the bowl (you don't want it to water down the ricotta).
- In a food processor, purée drained ricotta and eggs until just combined and smooth. Add to the bowl with the spinach and fold in mozzarella, pecorino, ham (if using), parsley, black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt, red-pepper flakes and nutmeg. Set aside when rolling out dough (or chill for up to 4 hours).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the larger pastry dough disk to a 14-inch circle, about 1/8-inch thick. Fit dough into a 9-inch springform pan, pressing the dough up the sides of the pan. Scrape filling into crust and spread evenly. Roll out second pastry disk to a 12-inch circle, about 1/8-inch thick. Cut 1/2-inch-wide strips and weave into a lattice on top of the filling. Seal, trim and crimp the edges. Brush the top of the torta with the egg wash.
- Place torta on sheet pan and bake until crust is crisp and brown, and filling is firm, 50 to 60 minutes. Cool on a rack for at least 45 minutes before serving.
SPINACH TORTA RUSTICA
A rustic Italian tart made with a buttery yeast dough and a spinach ricotta filling.
Provided by LIz Berg
Categories Bread
Time 2h50m
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- To prepare the torta dough, sprinkle yeast over warm water in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.
- Add honey and let stand for 5 minutes. Mix in salt and 1/2 cup flour. Beat for about 3 minutes on medium speed.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until smooth. Gradually beat in the remaining 1 1/2 cups flour to make a soft dough. Beat in butter, one tablespoon at a time.
- Place dough in a greased bowl and let rise in a warm place till doubled in size, about 1 hour.
- Make filling while the dough rises. To make the filling, saute onion in olive oil till soft and lightly browned. Stir in garlic and cook for less than a minute. Mix in spinach and remove from heat.
- In a medium bowl, beat the egg yolk. Mix in ricotta, 1/2 cup Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add spinach mixture.
- Punch down risen dough. Divide into two pieces, one slightly larger than the other. On a floured surface, roll larger piece into an 8-inch circle. Fit into the bottom of an 8-inch springform pan.
- Spread evenly with filling. Roll the rest of the dough into a 9-inch square.
- Cut the square into 9 or 10 strips. Weave strips over the top of the filling to make a lattice pattern. Tuck the ends of the dough down around the filling.
- Preheat oven to 375º. Let torta rise for 15-20 minutes till dough puffs up slightly. Brush top of the dough with an egg beaten with water. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, till browned. Cool for 5 minutes, then remove rim. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 351 calories, Carbohydrate 31 grams carbohydrates, Cholesterol 134 milligrams cholesterol, Fat 21 grams fat, Fiber 2 grams fiber, Protein 11 grams protein, SaturatedFat 10 grams saturated fat, ServingSize 1 slice, Sodium 466 milligrams sodium, Sugar 3 grams sugar, TransFat 0 grams trans fat, UnsaturatedFat 9 grams unsaturated fat
MUSHROOM, SPINACH AND CHEESE TORTA
Phyllo dough layered with spinach and ricotta. Poppy seeds may be used in place of sesame seeds.
Provided by Christine
Categories Main Dish Recipes Savory Pie Recipes
Time 1h30m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Saute onion and garlic in oil in large saucepan until onion is translucent. Add mushrooms and spinach and continue cooking until mushrooms have released their juices and spinach has wilted. Continue cooking until liquid has evaporated. Remove from heat.
- Beat eggs slightly in large bowl. Add ricotta and parmesan, sour cream, bread crumbs and parsley to eggs. Drain excess liquid from vegetables, then add to cheese mixture. Stir until well blended.
- Brush some of melted butter on large baking sheet. Count out 6 phyllo leaves and carefully lift them up and lay flat on buttered baking sheet.
- Spread filling over middle of leaves, leaving a 3 inch border all around. Brush edges with butter.
- On top of the filling, lay down 2 leaves of phyllo at a time, brushing top leaf with butter each time. After 4 pairs, fold corners of all phyllo leaves up over filling, and brush with butter.
- Lay down 2 more pairs of leaves, buttering top leaf of each pair. Tuck edges under torta, corners first, then sides. Sprinkle top with sesame or poppy seeds.
- Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 50 minutes or until filling is set and phyllo is crisp and golden. Allow to rest 10 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 734.9 calories, Carbohydrate 58.3 g, Cholesterol 168.1 mg, Fat 46.5 g, Fiber 4.6 g, Protein 23.3 g, SaturatedFat 21.5 g, Sodium 1046.2 mg, Sugar 5 g
SPINACH-RICE TORTA SQUARES
Make and share this Spinach-Rice Torta Squares recipe from Food.com.
Provided by ratherbeswimmin
Categories Spinach
Time 1h30m
Yield 12-16 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Position rack in the center of the oven; preheat to 325°; lightly oil a 13x9 inch baking dish; sprinkle with bread crumbs.
- Tilt dish to coat with the crumbs, and tap out the excess.
- Bring a medium saucepan of lightly salted water to a boil over high heat; add in the rice and decrease heat to medium.
- Cook, uncovered, until the rice is tender (about 16 minutes); drain well and set aside.
- Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat; add in the onions.
- Stir/saute 6 minutes or until the onions are tender.
- Add in the garlic; stir until it gives off its aroma, about 1 minute.
- Add in the spinach; cook, stirring often, just to evaporate any remaining liquid, about 3 minutes; set mixture aside.
- In a big bowl, whisk the eggs, basil, rosemary, salt, and pepper together; add in the rice, spinach/onion mixture, 1 cup of parmesan cheese, and the cheddar cheese; mix well.
- Spread mixture in the baking dish; sprinkle remaining parmesan on top.
- Bake until the torta feels firm when pressed in the center, about 45 minutes.
- Cool completely in the dish; cut the torta horizontally into 6 equal strips, then vertically into 9 strips to make 54 pieces.
- Arrange on a serving platter; serve at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 270.7, Fat 14.8, SaturatedFat 6.3, Cholesterol 232.4, Sodium 665.8, Carbohydrate 17.4, Fiber 3.7, Sugar 2.3, Protein 18.4
Tips:
- Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture.
- Squeeze the spinach as dry as possible before adding it to the filling to prevent the torta from becoming too wet.
- Use a combination of ricotta cheese and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese for a rich and creamy filling.
- Season the filling generously with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Use a light hand when rolling out the dough to prevent it from becoming tough.
- Bake the torta until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Let the torta cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Conclusion:
Italian spinach torta is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. It's perfect for a light lunch or dinner, and it's also a great way to use up leftover spinach. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
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