Discover a delightful twist on traditional Italian cuisine with our Crispy Swiss Chard Cakes topped with luxurious Mascarpone Creamed Spinach! This scrumptious dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also adds a burst of color and nutrition to your dinner table. Perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself, these golden-brown cakes are a symphony of flavors and textures. Ready in just 50 minutes, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their culinary skills and indulge in a gourmet experience right at home!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 bunch Swiss chard, chopped
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash the Swiss chard, removing stems and chopping leaves into fine pieces. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped Swiss chard, breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix ingredients thoroughly until they form a cohesive mixture that can be shaped into patties.
- Using clean hands, form the mixture into 4-6 uniform circular cakes, approximately 3 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick. Place formed cakes on a parchment-lined plate and refrigerate for 15 minutes to help them firm up.
- Meanwhile, prepare the mascarpone creamed spinach by wilting fresh spinach in a pan over medium heat. Once wilted, reduce heat and stir in mascarpone cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place chard cakes in the pan, cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove crispy chard cakes from the skillet and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Plate the crispy chard cakes and generously top with the warm mascarpone creamed spinach. Serve immediately while both components are hot and at their peak texture.
Tips
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use the freshest Swiss chard and spinach you can find for the best flavor and texture. Look for vibrant, crisp leaves without any wilting.
- Chill the Cakes: After forming the chard cakes, refrigerate them for at least 15 minutes. This helps them hold their shape while cooking and enhances their crispiness.
- Don’t Rush the Cooking: Ensure your skillet is properly heated before adding the cakes. Cooking them on medium-high heat allows for a perfect golden crust without burning.
- Experiment with Cheese: While Parmesan adds a lovely flavor, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Pecorino or even a sharp cheddar for a different twist.
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the chard cakes in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. This is a great time-saver for dinner parties!
- Serve with a Twist: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the mascarpone creamed spinach before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 130mg
