Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound fresh spinach leaves, washed and trimmed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Gruyere cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Whisk
- Baking dish
- Oven
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large pot, bring 1 inch of water to a boil. Add the spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Drain and squeeze out any excess water.
3. In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
5. Add the Parmesan and Gruyere cheeses and stir until melted.
6. Add the spinach to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
7. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 365
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 17g
Sodium: 550mg
Sugar: 8g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with frozen spinach, thawed and drained.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Romano cheese.
- Gruyere cheese can be substituted with Swiss cheese.
Variations:
- Add cooked bacon or ham for a meatier version.
- Substitute half of the spinach with kale or chard.
- Add chopped onions and garlic for extra flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to squeeze out any excess water from the spinach to prevent the dish from becoming too watery.
- Use a whisk to ensure a smooth and creamy cheese sauce.
- For a crispy breadcrumb topping, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter before sprinkling on top.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve in individual ramekins for an elegant presentation.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or chives.
Pairings:
Pair with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with garlic bread or roasted potatoes.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the cheese sauce is too thick, add more milk. If it's too thin, add more cheese.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the dish to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it's safe to eat.
Food history:
Fondé aux Épinards is a traditional French dish that originated in the Burgundy region.
Flavor profiles:
Creamy, cheesy, and savory with a hint of nutmeg.
Serving suggestions:
Serve as a main dish or as a side dish with roasted meat or poultry.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A