Spinach-Ricotta gravy

Overview:

Italian food is getting a lot on my mind these days. Most Italian gravies are very rich and creamy, but the flavor, might I say is exceptionally good. So, this gravy goes very nicely with rice/pasta but the richness and creaminess is quite under control. But one needs to have a liking for "Spinach" at least. Well, you know.. Spinach, Ricotta cheese and garlic go hand in hand. These three .. and you can have a yummy gravy, nice pasta and pizza toppings too.

Cooking time : 40 mins including pre-cooking requisites, serves 4

Ingredients : 

You will need : 

• Fresh Spinach (regular big pack from any grocery store : its around 300-400 grams)
• 4-5 cloves of garlic (Grated)
• Italian Brushchetta dressing
• Italian seasoning (with thyme,rosemary,oregano,basil)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (Extra-virgin)
• grated Ricotta cheese ( a small bowl)
• salt to taste
• green chillies
• 3 tbsp tomato puree ( for acidity)
• fat-free half and half

Recipe:

1. Blanch the washed spinach for 5 mins (Put in hot salted boiling water, covered for 5 mins)

2. Drain the spinach and grind it with green chillies

3. In a large Skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil on high flame, add the garlic. Saute for a few seconds till it turns light brown.

4. Add 2 tbsp of Italian Bruschetta dressing and saute for a few seconds.

5. Now add the spinach paste,tomato puree, salt and cook covered for 5 mins on medium flame.

6. Add a little water if gravy is thicker, add salt to taste and cook covered for another 3 mins on medium flame.

7. Now add the ricotta cheese and stir the gravy gently.

8. Simmer for a minute, and sprinkle some Italian seasoning.

Serving/Presentation Instruction :

In a bowl, put some gravy and splash a little half-and-half over it. Serve hot with rice or pasta !

NOTE: If you add a little cumin seeds in oil and while adding salt add garam masala with it, add Paneer cubes instead of cheese ,remove Italian ingredients like Italian dressing and seasoning, you can call it "Palak Paneer" too :D

Now isn't it a 2-in-1 recipe ??