Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound Valle d'Aosta Fromadzo cheese, grated
- 1 pound fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 1/2 pound Fontina cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large skillet
- Whisk
- Baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spinach and cook for 2 minutes. Drain the spinach in a colander and squeeze out any excess water.
3. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Slowly whisk in the milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
5. Add the grated Valle d'Aosta Fromadzo cheese to the sauce and stir until melted.
6. Add the cooked spinach to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
7. Pour the spinach and cheese mixture into a baking dish.
8. Sprinkle the grated Fontina cheese over the top of the spinach and cheese mixture.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 350
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 20g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can substitute any type of spinach for fresh spinach.
- You can substitute any type of cheese for Fontina cheese.
Variations:
- Add cooked bacon or pancetta to the spinach and cheese mixture.
- Use kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the cheese sauce.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to squeeze out any excess water from the cooked spinach to prevent the dish from becoming too watery.
- Use a good quality cheese for the best flavor.
- You can make the cheese sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Storage instructions:
Store any leftovers 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, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme.
Pairings:
Serve with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine.
Suggested side dishes:
Roasted vegetables or garlic bread would make great side dishes.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the cheese sauce is too thick, add a little more milk to thin it out. If the cheese sauce is too thin, add a little more flour to thicken it.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the spinach thoroughly to prevent any foodborne illnesses.
Food history:
Valle d'Aosta Fromadzo is a traditional cheese from the Valle d'Aosta region of Italy. It is made from cow's milk and has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor.
Flavor profiles:
Creamy, cheesy, nutty, and slightly sweet.
Serving suggestions:
Serve as a main dish or as a side dish with grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
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Region: Italian