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Scalloped Potato Roll Lena

Mar 18, 2021
5 min read

Updated: 2 days ago


A Wonderful Meal of Spinach, Minced Meat, and Potatoes with Ricotta Cheese
  • Indulging in a delightful meal that combines the earthiness of spinach, the rich flavor of minced meat, and the comforting texture of potatoes, all elevated by the creamy goodness of ricotta cheese, is truly a culinary experience worth savoring. This dish, while requiring a bit more effort and time in its preparation, rewards you with a phenomenal dining experience that is not only satisfying but also bursting with flavor and nourishment.


Ingredients

To create this sumptuous meal, you will need the following ingredients:


- Fresh spinach, which adds a vibrant green color and a wealth of nutrients.

- Minced meat, such as beef, lamb, or turkey, providing a savory depth to the dish.

- Potatoes, which serve as a hearty base, offering a creamy texture when cooked.

- Ricotta cheese, known for its light and fluffy texture, which enhances the overall creaminess of the dish.

- Additional seasonings such as garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and perhaps a touch of nutmeg to elevate the flavors.


Preparation Method

  • The method of preparation might take a bit longer than a simple weeknight dinner, but the effort is well worth it. Start by thoroughly washing the spinach and then sautéing it with minced garlic and onions until wilted, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Drain any excess moisture to prevent the dish from becoming watery.


  • Next, cook the minced meat in a separate pan, seasoning it generously with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs. The goal is to create a robust flavor profile that complements the other ingredients. After the meat is browned and cooked through, mix it with the sautéed spinach, ensuring an even distribution of the ingredients.


  • Meanwhile, prepare the potatoes. You can choose to boil or roast them, depending on your preference. If boiling, make sure to mash them until they are smooth and creamy, then fold in the ricotta cheese. This mixture will add an incredible richness to the dish, balancing the savory elements with its creamy texture.


Assembly and Cooking

  • Once all components are ready, it's time to assemble the dish. In a baking dish, layer the mashed potato and ricotta mixture at the bottom, followed by the spinach and minced meat mixture. You can repeat the layers if you have enough ingredients, creating a beautiful, hearty casserole.


  • To finish, top the dish with a sprinkle of cheese or breadcrumbs if desired, and bake in a preheated oven until golden brown and bubbling. The aroma that fills your kitchen during baking is a promise of the delicious meal to come.


Conclusion

  • This wonderful meal of spinach, minced meat, and potatoes with ricotta cheese is not only a feast for the senses but also a nourishing option that brings together a variety of textures and flavors. The time invested in preparation is rewarded with a dish that is juicy, flavorful, and perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. Follow the recipe closely, and enjoy the delightful experience that comes from creating and sharing this remarkable meal.

Ingredients: medium, total time: 90 min, 6 serving
  • 6 potatoes/ peeled

  • 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese/ divided

  • 3 teaspoons salt/ divided

  • 4 Tablespoons olive oil/ divided

  • 1 sweet onion/ finely chopped-diced

  • 1 kg ground beef meat

  • Tomato cut into cubes/ weighing 14 ml

  • 4 Tablespoons fresh parsley/chopped-divided

  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

  • 6 cups spinach

  • 2 cloves garlic/finely chopped

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese /or another cheese cream that you have

  • fresh parsley leaves/ finely chopped

scalloped-potato-roll-in-a-black-baking-dish
Scalloped Potato Roll Lena
Preparation:
  1. Preheat the oven to 180˚C.

  2. Use a knife or a special knife to cut the potatoes to a thickness of 3 mm

  3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and sprinkle half of the Parmesan over the entire pan until it covers the entire baking paper

  4. Place the potatoes over the Parmesan so that each potato overlaps the previous potato both vertically and horizontally. Cover the whole pan with potatoes.

  5. Sprinkle the rest of the Parmesan evenly over the potatoes. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt. Bake for 30 minutes, until golden brown and the potatoes become flexible and slightly crispy.

  6. In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. When the oil starts to light, pour the onion, simmer until it brings a nice color. Then add the ground beef and stir with the onion until the water evaporates from the meat; then stir in the tomato, 3 tablespoons of parsley, paprika, 1 teaspoon of salt, and pepper.

  7. Stir and cook for another 15 minutes.

  8. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over moderate heat. Add spinach and cook, until wilted. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and garlic. Stir to combine.

  9. In a deeper bowl, combine the spinach and ricotta mixture. Set aside.

  10. Spread the spinach mixture evenly over the baked potato leaf.

  11. Spread the beef mixture evenly over the spinach. Sprinkle mozzarella over the beef.

  12. Take one end of a potato leaf holding parchment paper to start rolling upwards, making sure the ingredients don’t come out the side.

  13. When completely rolled out, place the potato roll on baking paper and bake at 180 °C for 15 minutes.

  14. Sprinkle with parsley leaves for decoration.

  15. Serve warm with salads.


Buon appetito!

slice-of-scalloped-potato-roll-in-white-plate
Scalloped Potato Roll Lena
My 2nd way of Preparation
  • 3 potatoes

  • 1 and 1/2 of Emmentall grated cheese

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon pepper

  • 6 cups spinach

  • 2 Tablespoons butter

  • olive oil

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese

  • 1 onion

  • 1 cup of ground beef

  • salt and pepper to taste

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 Tbsp parsley leaves/ finely chopped

Preparation:
  1. Peel and wash the potatoes. Slice three potatoes into 3 mm thick pieces. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and evenly sprinkle grated Emmental cheese over it. Arrange the sliced potatoes in an overlapping pattern to cover the entire tray. Season with salt and pepper, and generously drizzle with olive oil. Bake at 180°C for 30 minutes.

  2. Heat one tablespoon of butter in a pan, then add the spinach to soften. Once softened, stir in the ricotta cheese, mix for one minute, and set aside.

  3. In a separate pan, melt one tablespoon of butter and add finely chopped onion. Once the onion turns brown, add the minced meat and mix well. Season with pepper, garlic powder, and parsley leaves.

  4. Once the potatoes are baked, spread the spinach and ricotta mixture evenly over them, ensuring an even layer across all corners. Add the meat filling on top. Sprinkle with one cup of grated Emmental cheese. Carefully roll the assembly, using the parchment paper to help, ensuring the filling remains inside. Bake at 160°C for an additional 20 minutes.

Buon appetito!


NOTE:
  • Keep the rest of the food in a cool place, covered with aluminum foil or a clean cotton cloth.

  • Heat in the microwave or in the oven.


  • Use the contact form for questions or advice.

  • I would be happy if you would comment on my recipes and put like.

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Trieste, FVG, Italy

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