These Spinach and Ricotta Muffins are a savory, healthy, and delicious snack or side dish. Made with tender potatoes, fresh spinach, and ricotta cheese, these muffins are light, flavorful, and packed with nutrients. With the addition of mozzarella on top, they turn golden and bubbly, making them the perfect treat for any occasion. They’re easy to make and perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, or as an appetizer.
Preparation, Cook, and Total Times
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Preparation Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
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Total Time: 45 minutes
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Cuisine: Mediterranean (Ideal for a savory snack or side dish)
Full List of Ingredients
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2 potatoes (peeled and boiled)
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200g spinach (fresh or frozen)
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1 onion (finely chopped)
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150g ricotta cheese
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3 tablespoons corn starch
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2 eggs
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Salt, paprika, Provence herbs, and pepper (to taste)
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Olive oil (for greasing and sautéing)
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100g mozzarella (for topping)
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Muffin tin (for baking)
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
1. Prepare the Potatoes
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Peel and boil the 2 potatoes in salted water for about 10 minutes or until they are soft. Once cooked, mash them well and set them aside to cool slightly.
2. Sauté the Onion and Spinach
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Heat a little olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
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Add the spinach to the pan and cook until wilted. If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure to drain and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the pan. Let the spinach cool slightly.
3. Mix the Ingredients
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In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, sautéed onion and spinach mixture, ricotta cheese, corn starch, eggs, salt, paprika, Provence herbs, and pepper. Mix everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Prepare the Muffin Tin
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Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a muffin tin with olive oil or line it with muffin liners.
5. Fill the Muffin Tin
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Spoon the mixture into the muffin tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full.
6. Top with Mozzarella
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Grate the 100g of mozzarella cheese and sprinkle it generously on top of each muffin.
7. Bake the Muffins
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Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the mozzarella is melted and bubbly. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick—it should come out clean.
8. Cool and Serve
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Let the muffins cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm.
Nutritional Information (Per Muffin)
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Calories: 180
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Fat: 10g
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Protein: 8g
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Carbohydrates: 15g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sugars: 2g
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Sodium: 300mg
Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
These savory muffins are inspired by Mediterranean flavors, where spinach, ricotta cheese, and herbs are frequently used in various dishes. The idea of baking these ingredients into a muffin form is both practical and delightful, turning simple vegetables and cheese into a satisfying snack or meal. This recipe is gaining popularity for its health benefits and versatility.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
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Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with spinach, ricotta, and potatoes, these muffins provide a good source of vitamins, protein, and fiber.
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Fluffy and Savory: The combination of potatoes and ricotta gives these muffins a soft, fluffy texture while the mozzarella topping adds a deliciously gooey finish.
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Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, these muffins are quick to prepare and bake, making them perfect for a busy day.
Health Benefits
These muffins provide a good balance of protein and fiber, thanks to the ricotta cheese, spinach, and potatoes. Spinach is rich in iron and antioxidants, while ricotta cheese offers a calcium boost. The addition of eggs helps add protein, and the use of olive oil adds healthy fats to the recipe.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with a Side Salad: Pair these savory muffins with a fresh, green salad for a light and balanced meal.
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As a Snack: These muffins make a great snack on their own, especially when served warm.
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With Soup or Stew: Serve these muffins as a side to your favorite soup or stew for a comforting and filling meal.
Cooking Tips
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Ensure the Spinach is Well Drained: If using frozen spinach, make sure to squeeze out any excess water to avoid a soggy batter.
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Adjust the Spices: You can adjust the paprika and herbs to suit your taste. Add more chili powder for heat or other herbs like basil or thyme for extra flavor.
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Use a Non-stick Muffin Tin: A non-stick muffin tin will help the muffins release easily after baking.
Variations to Try
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Add Other Vegetables: Experiment by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the muffin mixture.
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Cheese Variations: Swap the mozzarella for another cheese like feta, cheddar, or goat cheese for a different flavor.
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Vegan Version: Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) and dairy-free cheese for a vegan-friendly version.
Conclusion
These Spinach and Ricotta Muffins are a tasty, healthy, and satisfying snack or side dish. With their fluffy texture, cheesy topping, and savory flavors, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them with a side salad, soup, or on their own, they are sure to become a family favorite.
10 Comprehensive FAQ Section
1. Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the muffins ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven before serving.
2. Can I freeze these muffins?
Yes, these muffins freeze well. After baking, let them cool completely, then store them in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven when ready to eat.
3. Can I make these muffins without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute the eggs with flax eggs or another egg replacer for a vegan-friendly version.
4. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the mixture.
5. How do I store leftover muffins?
Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can refrigerate them for longer storage.
6. Can I add other herbs or spices?
Yes, feel free to add herbs like basil, thyme, or dill for extra flavor. You can also adjust the amount of paprika or add chili flakes for more spice.
7. Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can use other types of cheese like feta, goat cheese, or cheddar, depending on your preference.
8. Can I use regular flour instead of fry flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour in place of fry flour.
9. Can I bake these muffins in a different tin?
Yes, you can use any muffin tin, but the baking time may vary depending on the size of the tin.
10. How can I make the muffins fluffier?
Make sure to mix the batter gently and not overmix it. You can also sift the dry ingredients to make the batter lighter.