Description
Stuffed with creamy spinach and herbs, this irresistible bread brings Mediterranean flavors to your table. Crispy golden crust and rich filling make it a perfect companion for your next meal that leaves you craving more.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread Base:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup warm water
Spinach Filling:
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
Seasoning and Finishing:
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 2 tbsp butter (melted)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast in warm water, allowing it to foam and become frothy for about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine flour and salt in a large mixing bowl, creating a well in the center for the yeast mixture.
- Pour olive oil and activated yeast into the flour, kneading the dough until smooth and elastic, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Sauté minced garlic in a skillet until fragrant, then add spinach and cook until wilted and moisture evaporates.
- Mix cooked spinach with ricotta, parmesan, black pepper, and dried oregano in a separate bowl.
- Toast pine nuts in a dry pan until golden and fragrant, then fold into the spinach mixture.
- Punch down the risen dough and roll it out into a rectangular shape on a floured surface.
- Spread the spinach filling evenly across the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Carefully roll the dough into a tight log, pinching the seams to seal the filling inside.
- Place the rolled bread on a baking sheet, brush with beaten egg wash, and let rest for 15 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from oven, immediately brush with melted butter, and let cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Yeast Activation Trick: Use water between 100-110°F to ensure perfect yeast blooming without killing the microorganisms.
- Dough Hydration Tip: Add a splash of extra olive oil to create a softer, more pliable bread texture that remains moist after baking.
- Spinach Moisture Management: Thoroughly drain and pat dry sautéed spinach to prevent soggy filling and maintain crisp bread texture.
- Versatile Filling Hack: Swap spinach with other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard for different nutritional profiles and flavor variations.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg