Dill-Infused Spinach & Ricotta Bake
Indulge in this delightful Dill-Infused Spinach & Ricotta Bake, a delectable crustless quiche perfect for brunch gatherings or a light lunch. Packed with vibrant, fresh spinach and creamy ricotta cheese, this dish showcases the luscious flavors of sautéed onions and juicy plum tomatoes. The hint of nutmeg and aromatic dill weed weave a fragrant 'spring-like' essence throughout, making every bite a refreshing experience. This dish not only tantalizes the palate but also nourishes the body, ideal for those who appreciate the wholesome goodness of green vegetables. Serve it warm or at room temperature, and watch it quickly become a family favorite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh spinach
12 cups (Steamed until wilted or use 2 packages thawed frozen spinach)
Olive oil
2 teaspoons (For sautéing onions)
Onion
1/2 cup (Finely chopped)
Ricotta cheese
1 cup (Can use part skim or low fat)
Eggs
2 whole (Beaten)
Dried dill weed
1/2 teaspoon
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (To taste)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (To taste)
Nutmeg
1 pinch
Plum tomatoes
3 tomatoes (Seeded and chopped (about 1 cup))
Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon (Grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
2
Grease a 9-inch pie dish with a light coating of cooking spray or olive oil.
3
If using fresh spinach, steam it in a large pot until just wilted, which should take about 3-4 minutes. For frozen spinach, allow it to thaw completely then steam for approximately 5 minutes.
4
Once the spinach is cooked, press it with a clean kitchen towel or use a colander to remove excess water. Set aside.
5
In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, sautéing until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Avoid browning the onions.
6
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten eggs, dried dill weed, ground pepper, salt, and a pinch of nutmeg. Blend until smooth and homogenous.
7
Incorporate the prepared spinach, chopped tomatoes, and softened onions into the ricotta mixture, stirring gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
8
Pour the spinach-ricotta mixture into the greased pie dish, spreading it evenly.
9
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top of the mixture.
10
Place the pie dish in the oven and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until the quiche is set and lightly golden on top.
11
Once baked, remove the quiche from the oven and allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Dill-Infused Spinach & Ricotta Bake?
It is a delectable crustless quiche perfect for brunch or lunch, featuring fresh spinach, creamy ricotta, and aromatic dill.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is a vegetarian-friendly savory baked meal.
Is this spinach bake low in carbohydrates?
Yes, because it is a crustless quiche, it is considered a low-carb option.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
You should preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking dish is required for this recipe?
A 9-inch pie dish is recommended for this bake.
How much fresh spinach do I need?
The recipe calls for 12 cups of fresh spinach.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute the fresh spinach with 2 packages of thawed frozen spinach.
How long should I steam fresh spinach?
Steam fresh spinach for about 3-4 minutes until just wilted.
How long should I steam frozen spinach?
Thawed frozen spinach should be steamed for approximately 5 minutes.
Why is it important to press the spinach after steaming?
Pressing the spinach with a towel or colander removes excess water, preventing the quiche from becoming soggy.
How should I prepare the onion for this recipe?
The onion should be finely chopped and sautéed in olive oil until soft and translucent.
How long does it take to sauté the onions?
It takes about 5 minutes over medium heat; avoid browning them.
What type of ricotta cheese can I use?
You can use standard ricotta, part-skim, or low-fat varieties.
How many eggs are used in the Dill-Infused Spinach & Ricotta Bake?
This recipe requires 2 whole beaten eggs.
What spices give this dish its 'spring-like' essence?
The combination of dried dill weed and a pinch of nutmeg creates a fragrant spring-like flavor.
How many plum tomatoes are needed?
The recipe uses 3 plum tomatoes, which should be seeded and chopped.
How much dried dill weed is used?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of dried dill weed.
When do I add the Parmesan cheese?
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the mixture right before putting it in the oven.
How long does the quiche take to bake?
The bake time is approximately 30-35 minutes.
How can I tell when the quiche is done?
The quiche is ready when it is set and the top is lightly golden.
Should I let the bake cool before serving?
Yes, allow it to cool for 5-10 minutes to make slicing easier.
Can this dish be served at room temperature?
Yes, it can be served warm or at room temperature.
What is the recommended serving size for this dish?
While specific serving sizes aren't listed, it is typically served as a main dish for brunch or lunch.
Does this recipe contain gluten?
Based on the ingredients listed, this is a crustless dish and does not contain gluten-bearing ingredients.
How much olive oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of olive oil.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
Use 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, or adjust to your personal taste.
Can I use different types of tomatoes?
While plum tomatoes are recommended for their lower water content, other varieties can be used if seeded well.
What is the texture of the finished bake?
It is creamy due to the ricotta and eggs, but textured with pieces of spinach and tomato.
Is this a good recipe for meal prep?
Yes, as it can be served at various temperatures and holds its shape well when sliced.
What are the main nutritional benefits?
It is rich in nutrients from a large volume of spinach and provides protein from eggs and ricotta cheese.