Crespelle di Ricotta Recipe

Crespelle di Ricotta is a traditional Italian dish that hails from Tuscany, specifically Florence, where it is enjoyed both as a comforting meal and a festive dish, often served during the holidays. The dish features delicate crepes (crespelle) filled with a creamy ricotta mixture, often enriched with spinach, and topped with béchamel sauce. It’s a perfect balance of textures, savory and comforting, and a great way to bring a little taste of Italy into your kitchen. Let me show you how I make this dish, based on my overall experience.

Notes on What to Expect:

From my own personal experience, this dish is a real crowd-pleaser. The combination of creamy ricotta and the soft, savory crepes creates a rich and satisfying meal. The béchamel sauce adds a luscious finish, making every bite feel indulgent. It might look like a lot of steps, but once you have everything prepared, it’s a straightforward process.

Ingredients:

For the Crespelle (Crepes):

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
• Pinch of salt

For the Filling:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese (drained if wet)
• 1 cup spinach (blanched and chopped, or frozen spinach)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A pinch of nutmeg (optional)

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Go get the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Crespelle di Ricotta  here.

Equipment Needed:

• Frying pan (for cooking the crepes)
• Medium saucepan (for making béchamel)
• Mixing bowls
• Baking dish (for assembling and baking)
• Whisk and spatula
• Go get the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Crespelle di Ricotta  here.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cost of Ingredients: Moderate, with most items being staples or easy to find in Italian stores.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Crespelle (Crepes)

1. Mix the batter: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, eggs, milk, melted butter, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
2. Cook the crepes: Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil. Pour a small amount of batter into the pan, swirling to coat the bottom evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, until golden. Repeat with the rest of the batter, placing cooked crepes on a plate and setting aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Cook the spinach: If using fresh spinach, blanch it in boiling water for a few minutes, drain, and chop finely. If using frozen, thaw and squeeze out excess water.
2. Mix the filling: In a bowl, combine the ricotta, spinach, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir until well blended.

Step 3: Make the Béchamel Sauce

1. Make the roux: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it turns golden.
2. Add the milk: Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Assemble the Crespelle

1. Fill the crepes: Place a spoonful of the ricotta filling in the center of each crepe and roll it up.
2. Arrange in the baking dish: Lay the filled crepes side by side in a greased baking dish. Pour the béchamel sauce over the top, covering all the crepes.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

1. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the assembled dish for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
2. Serve: Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving.

Variations & Tips:

• For a vegetarian twist: You can add sautéed mushrooms or other vegetables to the ricotta filling.
• For a dairy-free version: Substitute the ricotta with a dairy-free cheese or tofu, and use a dairy-free milk for the béchamel sauce.
• Make-ahead option: You can prepare the crepes, filling, and béchamel sauce a day ahead. Simply assemble the dish and bake when ready to serve.
• Go get the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory  #Crespelle di Ricotta  here.

Nutritional Information Per Serving:

• Calories: ~400-500
• Protein: 20g
• Carbs: 40g
• Fat: 20g

I hope this guide has made making Crespelle di Ricotta seem a little less daunting. Or have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I like to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment!