Spinach and Ricotta Pie/Frittata

A Busy Mom's Go-To Recipe: Spinach and Ricotta Pie

Life as a mom is a whirlwind. Between school runs, work deadlines, and keeping the house afloat, finding time for anything, let alone a healthy and delicious dinner, can feel impossible. That’s why I've become a master of quick, easy, and satisfying meals, and this Spinach and Ricotta Pie (or frittata, if you prefer) is a shining example. It’s versatile, adaptable, and frankly, a lifesaver on those nights when I’m running on empty.

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. You can whip it up in under an hour, and the cleanup is a breeze (especially if you line the baking dish with parchment paper – a tip I learned the hard way!). It's also incredibly flexible. Need to make it vegetarian? Simply omit the bacon. Feeling adventurous? Experiment with different herbs, cheeses, or vegetables. The possibilities are endless! I've found that even the pickiest eaters (and believe me, I have one!) happily devour this pie.

Why This Pie is a Weeknight Staple:

• Speed and Ease: The preparation time is minimal, and the baking time is short, making it perfect for a busy weeknight.
• Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of spinach, ricotta, and eggs creates a delicious and hearty dish that's both comforting and nutritious.
• Versatile and Adaptable: You can easily customize this recipe to suit your tastes and dietary preferences.
• Great for Leftovers: This pie is just as delicious cold as it is warm, making it ideal for lunch the next day.

Serving Suggestions:

I often serve this pie with a simple side salad (I used a coleslaw packet recently, for convenience), some roasted potatoes, and a drizzle of sriracha for a touch of spice. It also pairs well with crusty bread or a side of grilled vegetables. The possibilities are as vast as your imagination.

This recipe has become a regular feature in our dinner rotation, and I hope it finds its way into yours as well. It’s a testament to the fact that healthy and delicious meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Even on the busiest of days, you can still put a wholesome and satisfying meal on the table with minimal fuss. And that, my friends, is a win in my book.

Ingredients: (Remember to adjust quantities according to your needs and family size)

• Eggs
• Ricotta Cheese
• Fresh Spinach
• Puff Pastry
• Bacon (optional)
• Onion
• Garlic
• Chilli Flakes
• Spring Onions
• Cherry Tomatoes
• Dill
• Parmesan Cheese
• Butter
• Olive Oil

Give it a try and let me know what you think in the comments below!

Step-by-step

• Line dish with baking paper (to make it easier for cleaning), spray with canola oil and then line with puff pastry. Cut sheets to size to get a nice edge. Can brush melted butter onto sheets for a nicer finish.
• Combine beaten eggs, dill, ricotta, salt and pepper to taste. Stir it all together.
• Heat a pan over medium heat and add a dash of olive oil and the butter. Cook bacon until crispy, remove onto plate with paper towel to drain.
• In the same pan, add brown onion and saute with garlic and chilli flakes. Add spring onion and continuing to saute until green and fragrant. Add spinach and cook until it wilts and reduces down.
• Combine spinach mix with egg mix and bacon and stir it all together, then pour into your baking dish.
• Place halved cherry tomatoes seed-side up into the mixture and sprinkle with parmesan.
• Place in oven at 200C fan-forced for 20 minutes. Shake dish to test its readiness; if the centre moves, continue cooking.
• Let it sit for a couple of minutes and then serve.