Creamy Spinach And Potato Bake

Creamy Spinach and Potato Bake

Table of Contents

Ingredients

Frozen Spinach: 500 g (17.6 oz), thawed and drained

Potatoes: 500 g (17.6 oz), peeled and sliced

Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons

Sunflower Oil: 1 tablespoon

Butter: 20 g (0.7 oz)

Red Onion: 1, finely chopped

Garlic: 1 clove, minced

Green Onions: 2, chopped

Water: 150 ml (⅔ cup)

Milk: 400 ml (1⅔ cups)

Nutmeg: A pinch

Chili Pepper: To taste

Salt and Pepper: To taste

Flour: 50 g (⅓ cup)

Grated Mozzarella: 100 g (3.5 oz)

Directions

Prepare the Potatoes:

Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).

Boil the sliced potatoes in salted water for 10 minutes, or until just tender. Drain and set aside.

Cook the Spinach Mixture:

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Sauté the red onion, garlic, and green onions until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Add the thawed and drained spinach, stir well, and cook for 5 minutes.

Season with nutmeg, chili pepper, salt, and black pepper.

Prepare the White Sauce:

In a separate pan, heat the sunflower oil over medium heat.

Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Gradually whisk in the water and milk, ensuring no lumps form.

Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

Assemble the Dish:

Grease a baking dish with olive oil or butter.

Layer half of the sliced potatoes at the bottom of the dish.

Spread half of the spinach mixture over the potatoes, followed by half of the white sauce.

Repeat with the remaining potatoes, spinach, and white sauce.

Add Cheese and Bake:

Sprinkle the grated mozzarella evenly over the top.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Final Browning:

Return the dish to the oven for an additional 15 minutes for a crispy topping.

Serve:

Let the bake cool for 5 minutes before serving.

5 Serving Suggestions

Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for added protein.

Enjoy as a main dish with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for extra flavor.

Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.

5 Cooking Tips

Use fresh spinach instead of frozen if desired; sauté it until wilted before combining with the onion mixture.

Thinly slice the potatoes for even cooking and layering.

For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream to the white sauce.

Mix in other cheeses like Parmesan or Gruyere for a more complex flavor.

Allow the bake to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven to set the layers.

Nutritional Benefits

Spinach: High in iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C.

Potatoes: A great source of potassium and dietary fiber.

Milk: Provides calcium and protein for bone health.

Dietary Information

Vegetarian: Yes

Gluten-Free: No (use gluten-free flour for the white sauce)

Dairy-Free: No (use dairy-free butter, milk, and cheese for a dairy-free version)

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 280 kcal

Protein: 10g

Fat: 15g

Carbohydrates: 25g

Fiber: 4g

Sugar: 5g

Storage

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.