Source: diabete.net; blog.giallozafferano.it photos

Presentation

Side dish or second course prepared with sesame seeds, almonds, spinach, black pepper, ricotta and béchamel

Ingredients
Serves 6

• 2 teaspoons sesame seeds (about 10 g / 0.35 oz)
• 125 g shelled almonds (about 4.4 oz / 1 cup)
• 300 g spinach (about 10.5 oz / 10 cups fresh)
• Black pepper, to taste
• 200 g béchamel sauce (about 7 oz / ¾ cup)
• 200 g ricotta cheese (about 7 oz / 1 cup)

Method

In a pan, toast the sesame seeds and chopped almonds until slightly darkened

Put on a plate.

Preheat the oven to 180°C.

Blanch the spinach in boiling unsalted water

Drain and squeeze them well.

Take a large bowl and mix the spinach with the sesame, almonds, a pinch of black pepper, béchamel sauce and cream.

Grease a sufficiently large baking tray

Pour the mixture

Bake in a preheated oven for about 30 minutes.

Allergens

Bechamel sauce: milk and cereal allergens

Almonds: included among the allergens in EU Regulation 1169/2011; it has cross-reactivity in case of allergy to Birch and Gramineae.

Pepper (green, pink, black, grey, white): possible cross-reactivity in case of spice intolerance

Cottage cheese: milk allergens

Sesame: possible cross-reactivity in case of nut allergy

Spinach: possible cases of individual intolerance or cross-reactivity in case of birch allergy

Notes

To be prepared and handled under strict hygienic conditions.

The ingredients of the dish bring the following benefits:

Almonds: they are a source of Vitamin E which protects the immune system from harmful fatty acids and mineral salts, vitamins and antioxidants that act to protect the cardiovascular system; also suitable for nephropathic patients. Also useful for the functioning of the liver for the supply of vitamins, mineral salts and antioxidants. Rich in magnesium and omega 3 fatty acids important for regulating mood and cognitive function

Pepper (green, pink, black, gray, white): contains piperine, a powerful antioxidant; it improves insulin sensitivity by reducing cholesterol levels and activating metabolism. Recommended for people with cardiovascular problems.

Ricotta. Useful for the functioning of the liver for the supply of vitamins, mineral salts and antioxidants and for the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system. The presence of tryptophan helps to counteract depression

Sesame seeds: source of vitamins and minerals, in particular B vitamins, potassium, iron and copper that promote hematopoiesis, fatty acids that support the cardiovascular system, vitamin E, selenium and manganese, polyphenols (antioxidants) that support the immune system. Rich in magnesium and omega 3 fatty acids important for regulating mood and cognitive function

Spinach: rich in carotenoids that support the immune system and mineral salts, vitamins and antioxidants that act to protect the cardiovascular system; also suitable for nephropathic patients; useful for the functioning of the liver for the supply of vitamins, mineral salts and antioxidants. They provide folic acid linked to the production of serotonin and therefore favorable to good mood and counteract depression

Safety / Intended use

Product that can also be used in the case of:

• Anorexia – Weight Loss
• Nausea  –  Vomiting
• Constipation

Not recommended in case of:

• Dysphagia (problems chewing and swallowing)
• Mucositis (inflammation and injury of the oral cavity)