Ricotta and spinach bites

To prepare spinach and ricotta bites, start by heating the oil with a whole garlic clove 1; add the previously washed spinach and saut? on a high flame for 5-6 minutes; stir frequently 2 to sweat thoroughly 3.

Remove the garlic 4 and drain the spinach in a colander: press down lightly with a spatula to remove the excess water and leave to cool 5; once cold, coarsely chop them with a knife 6.

Now place the ricotta cheese in a bowl (drain any excess water beforehand) and stir with a spoon 7; add the spinach and the grated cheese 8 salt and pepper to taste, and stir 9.

For added consistency, add the breadcrumbs 10 and continue to mix 11. As soon as the mixture is ready you can make the balls. Take some of the mixture, around 1 1/3 tbsp, and shape by hand 12;

you should end up with 24-26 small balls 13. Delicately dip each one in a bowl in which you will have beaten the eggs with salt and pepper 14 and then in another bowl with the breadcrumbs 15.

Continue in this way until you finish them all and place them on an oven tray lined with parchment paper (16-17). Bake the spinach and ricotta cheese balls in a static oven preheated to 390°F (200°C) for around 20 minutes. Serve them piping hot!