Spinach and Ricotta Grilled Cheese

INGREDIENTS

• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1/3 cup ricotta cheese 
• 1/4 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
• sea salt and cracked pepper, to taste
• dried Italian mixed herbs, to taste
• 1/4 cup grated light mozzarella cheese (or fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced)
• 4 thick slices sourdough bread
• 1 tablespoon butter 
• 1/2 cup of your favorite pasta sauce

INSTRUCTIONS

• In a medium sized pan/skillet, fry the garlic in a small amount of olive oil (or cooking oil spray), until just fragrant (about 30-60 seconds) over medium-high heat. Remove from heat; add the garlic to a small bowl; set pan/skillet aside.
• Add the ricotta cheese, spinach, parmesan cheese, salt/pepper and Italian herbs to the pan-fried garlic and mix until well combined.
• Spread one side of each slice of bread with butter. Divide the ricotta mixture in half and spread it on the un-buttered sides of two slices of bread; divide the mozzarella cheese in half and add it over the ricotta mixture; top with remaining bread - buttered side up (to create a sandwich).
• Return the pan/skillet to the stove over medium heat and place the sandwiches in the pan. Cook, turning once, until the cheese has melted and both sides are golden brown (about 3-4 minutes per side).
• Sprinkle with extra Italian herbs and serve with the pasta sauce (optional)

NUTRITION INFORMATION

Calories: 327, Carbohydrates: 47g, Protein: 18g, Fat: 9g, Fiber: 2g, 79% DV calcium