Herbed Ricotta and Spinach Bake
A creamy, savory bake featuring tender spinach and soft paneer, infused with fresh herbs and mild spices. A delightful fusion dish that's both comforting and packed with flavor, perfect as a main course.
For 4 servings
Prepare the spinach
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the chopped spinach and blanch for 2 minutes until wilted.
- Immediately drain the spinach and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Squeeze out as much excess water as possible from the spinach. This is crucial to avoid a watery bake. Set aside.
Sauté the aromatics
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and green chili. Cook for another minute until the raw smell disappears.
Create the filling
- Add the blanched spinach and cumin powder to the pan. Mix well and cook for 2 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine the crumbled paneer, the cooked spinach mixture, yogurt, chopped coriander, mint, garam masala, salt, and pepper.
- Mix everything gently until well combined.
Assemble and bake
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Lightly grease a small baking dish (approx. 8x8 inch).
- Transfer the spinach and paneer mixture into the baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
Rest and serve
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot with toast or a side salad.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Squeezing the spinach dry is the most important step to prevent a soggy bake.
- 2For a richer flavor, you can use half paneer and half ricotta cheese.
- 3Add some chopped walnuts or almonds to the filling for a nice crunch.
- 4This dish can be assembled ahead of time. Store covered in the fridge and bake just before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace paneer with crumbled firm tofu and use a plant-based yogurt and vegan mozzarella.
high proteinHigh protein
Increase the amount of paneer to 350g and add 1/4 cup of cooked chickpeas to the mixture.
quickQuick
Use frozen chopped spinach that has been thawed and squeezed dry to save time on blanching.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Omit the green chili and use a milder cheese like cheddar. You can also blend the spinach mixture for a smoother texture.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
Paneer is an excellent source of vegetarian protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
High in Iron and Vitamins
Spinach is a powerhouse of nutrients, including iron for blood health, and Vitamins A and K.
Good for Bone Health
Both paneer and yogurt provide a good amount of calcium, which is vital for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it's a nutritious dish. It's rich in protein from paneer, and packed with iron and vitamins from spinach. Using yogurt instead of heavy cream keeps it relatively light.
