Spinach pie

Spinach loaf – a delicious and healthy dish, ideal for a spring meal or as an appetizer for any special occasion. With a mix of simple and fresh ingredients, this loaf will surely impress anyone who tastes it. Let's discover together how to prepare it step by step!

Total time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Necessary ingredients:
- 500 g fresh spinach (or 300 g frozen spinach)
- 2 medium onions
- 4 eggs
- 150 g grated cheese (preferably telemea or mozzarella for a creamier taste)
- 100 g rice (preferably long grain)
- 3-4 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for added flavor)
- Fresh parsley for decoration

Step 1: Preparing the spinach
Wash the spinach well under cold running water to remove any impurities. In a large pot, bring water to a boil, add a teaspoon of salt, and when the water is boiling, add the spinach and boil for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes soft. Drain the spinach and place it under cold running water to stop the cooking. Chop it finely and set it aside.

Step 2: Cooking the rice
In another pot, cook the rice according to the package instructions. It is important not to overcook it, as it will continue to absorb moisture in the loaf. Once cooked, drain the rice and let it cool.

Step 3: Sautéing the onion
In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until it becomes translucent. Be careful not to burn it, as it can give a bitter taste to the loaf.

Step 4: Mixing the loaf
In a large bowl, beat the eggs and add the chopped spinach, cooked rice, sautéed onion, and grated cheese. Mix the ingredients well and season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using. Make sure all ingredients are well integrated.

Step 5: Baking the loaf
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a baking dish with oil or use parchment paper. Pour the loaf mixture into the dish and level the surface with a spatula. Bake the loaf for about 30 minutes or until it becomes golden and firm to the touch.

Step 6: Serving
Let the loaf cool slightly before cutting it into portions. Serve it warm or at room temperature, decorated with finely chopped fresh parsley. It is delicious alongside a tomato salad or a yogurt dressing.

Useful tips:
- You can also add other vegetables to the loaf, such as grated carrots or zucchini for added texture and flavor.
- If you want to give it a special touch, you can add some black olives or finely chopped slices of chicken ham.
- The spinach loaf is versatile and can also be served cold, making it perfect for picnics or parties.

This spinach loaf is not just a simple recipe, but also an excellent way to enjoy the benefits of spinach. Prepared with love and care, it is a dish that will not be missing from your menu!