Spinach Balls (Fried or Baked Recipe)

Ingredients

• 1 small onion, minced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon butter

• 2 (10 ounce) packages frozen spinach, thawed but not drained
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 1 cup shredded romano cheese (or more)
• 1 dash nutmeg
• salt
• black pepper
• 1 dash cayenne
• cooking spray (for baking) or olive oil (for frying)
• additional romano cheese (to garnish)
• marinara sauce (for dipping)

Directions

1. 1

   Saute onions and minced garlic in butter; place in large mixing bowl with undrained spinach, egg, breadcrumbs, 1 cup Romano, salt, nutmeg, black and cayenne pepper; mix thoroughly. Let mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes to absorb moisture. Form into 1" balls.

2. 2

   To fry:.

3. 3

   Heat 1 inch of olive oil in large skillet. Fry in small batches until golden, 3 to 6 minutes, turning once; do not overcook or they will be dry. Drain on toweling. Skim drippings between batches.

4. 4

   To bake:.

5. 5

   Preheat oven 350 degrees. Spray baking sheet arranging spinach balls and spraying balls lightly. Bake uncovered until golden for about 25 minutes; do not overcook.

6. 6

   Garnish with additional Romano. Serve warm or room temperature with marinara to dip.