Ingredients
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2 cups cooked spinach, about 1 pound fresh spinach
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1/2 large onion, finely chopped
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4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
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1-2 tablespoon olive oil
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1 1/2 pounds ground chicken (slightly less than 1 kg)
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2 teaspoons salt
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1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
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zest of 1/2 small lemon
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1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
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1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
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1 Serrano chili, finely chopped- less if you don't want heat or omit altogether
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1 egg, beaten
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3/4 cup panko bread crumbs, more if using milk
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1/2 cup ricotta cheese, can also use heavy cream or milk but may need to add more breadcrumbse
Directions
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1
Done
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Preheat oven to 350F (175C). |
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2
Done
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Blanch the fresh spinach by plunging leaves a handful at a time into a pot of boiling water. Leave just long enough to wilt, about 30 seconds, then drain in a colander. You can leave to cool or run under water but be sure to squeeze out any extra water. If using frozen spinach, follow directions on the package. |
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3
Done
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Add a little olive oil to medium sauté pan over low heat. Mix in the onions and cook for 3 minutes until slightly soft. |
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4
Done
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Roughly chop cooled spinach and place into pan and cook another 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Set aside and allow to cool slightly. |
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5
Done
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Place ground chicken into a large mixing bowl. Add in the cooled spinach mixture, salt and pepper, lemon zest, spices, chili, egg, bread crumbs and ricotta. Mix together until everything is well incorporated. I start with a spoon and then continue to mix with hands. |
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6
Done
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With an ice cream scoop or large soup spoon, form meatballs and place on a large baking tray. They do not spread out when cooking, allowing you to place close together. |
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7
Done
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Bake for 25-30 minutes. |
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8
Done
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Put oven on broil and brown for 5 minutes, take out flip each over and broil for another 5 minutes. Make sure you watch as browning. |
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9
Done
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Serve with a salad, on top of orzo or over pasta pesto click here ) , or with a tomato sauce click here ) |
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10
Done
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You can prepare these up to two to three hours in advance and then heat up in a pasta sauce. |
