Baked Spinach

 Ingredients: For spinach: -1 kg fresh spinach -2 tablespoons butter -250 ml milk -1 teaspoon heaping flour -3-5 cloves of crushed garlic -salt -pepper, freshly ground Others: -a few slices of baguette -1 cup milk -100 g slices of Hochland cheese -2 eggs -300 ml sour cream -100 g grated cheese -butter -salt -pepper, freshly ground For serving: -sour cream, optional

To prepare a delicious baked spinach recipe with cheese, follow these detailed steps that will guide you in creating a savory and comforting dish. Start by cleaning and washing the spinach leaves thoroughly, ensuring that you remove any damaged or dirty ones. It is recommended to wash them in several waters to remove impurities and sand. Once finished, let the spinach drain in a colander to eliminate excess water.

In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a teaspoon of salt. Add the spinach and boil for about 5 minutes until the leaves become soft and change color. After boiling, drain the spinach and chop it finely with a knife or a chopper. In a separate bowl, transfer the chopped spinach and add the butter. Then, mix the flour dissolved in milk, adding gradually to avoid lumps. Keep the mixture on low heat, stirring continuously until it thickens and becomes a smooth cream.

Towards the end, add the finely chopped garlic and season with salt and pepper to taste. Once the spinach cream is ready, set it aside to cool slightly. In another bowl, mix the lightly beaten eggs with the sour cream, seasoning again with salt and pepper, to taste. This will add a creamy texture to your dish.

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Grease a heat-resistant dish with butter, ensuring to cover the sides as well. Prepare the slices of bread, spreading butter on one side and lightly soaking them in warm milk. Place the slices butter side up in an even layer to cover the entire base of the dish. On top, add a layer of cheese slices, followed by the spinach cream, which should completely cover the bread slices.

Evenly pour the sour cream and egg mixture over the spinach and cheese layer, then sprinkle grated cheese on top for added flavor. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and has a golden, appetizing crust.

When the dish is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing it into thicker pieces. Carefully transfer the slices to warmed plates to maintain the temperature. This dish is served hot and is delicious both on its own and accompanied by a spoonful of sour cream if you wish to add extra creaminess. Enjoy every bite of this comforting dish, perfect for a family dinner or to impress your guests!

 Tags:  eggs greenness cheese garlic milk unt flour sour cream