Spinach and Bacon Gratin

To prepare a delicious recipe that combines the savory taste of kaiser with the freshness of spinach and the creaminess of béchamel sauce, we will follow the steps below. We start by cutting the piece of kaiser into thin strips, about 1 cm wide. These will be lightly sautéed in a tablespoon of heated oil, along with finely chopped onion. It is essential to sauté the onion until it becomes transparent, as this will enhance the flavor of the dish. Once the onion and kaiser have taken on a golden hue, we will remove the pan from the heat and add the crushed garlic clove. We mix well to allow the garlic to spread its aroma throughout the dish. Then, we let this mixture cool slightly, after which we set it aside.

Now we will take care of the spinach. We will wilt it for a few minutes in boiling salted water, just enough to soften it slightly. After the spinach has softened, we remove it with a slotted spoon or drain it using a special lid, being careful to eliminate the excess water. In a baking dish, we will spread a uniform layer of tomato puree or tomato sauce, which will serve as the base for our dish. After that, we add the spinach, covering the entire surface of the dish. On top of the spinach, we place the sautéed kaiser along with the onion, and generously sprinkle grated cheese on top to add a note of creaminess.

Next, we will prepare the béchamel sauce, which will bring an extra flavor. In a pan, we melt a piece of butter, then add the flour, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. When the butter has melted and the flour has taken on a slight golden hue, we gradually pour in the milk, stirring continuously. We add a pinch of salt and pepper, and when the sauce starts to thicken, we must stir carefully to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Once it reaches the consistency of thick cream, we will remove the sauce from the heat and carefully pour it over the mixture in the dish, ensuring that we cover everything evenly. If we have any left, we can also sprinkle a bit of grated cheese on top.

Now, we preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius and place the dish in the oven. We let it bake for about 20 minutes or until the surface becomes golden and appetizing. It is recommended to serve the dish immediately, either as a side dish or as a main course. A glass of beer pairs perfectly with this delicacy, making every meal a celebration of flavors. Although we didn't manage to take a picture of the final plate because we were hungry, the aroma and taste of the spinach prepared this way were truly surprising, exceeding my expectations.

 Ingredients: 300 grams of spinach, 200 grams of kaiser, about 150 grams of grated cheese, a knob of butter, about 500 ml of milk, 200 ml of thick tomato sauce-purée, a small onion, a clove of garlic, 2 tablespoons of flour, oil, salt, pepper.

 Tags:  onion greenness cheese garlic tomatoes milk unt flour oil nut