Spinach with sour cream sauce
Spinach with Smoked Ham Hock and Cream Sauce: A Delicacy Cooked with Love
Total Time: 50 minutes
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Welcome to my kitchen, where today we will discover a delicious and healthy recipe that combines fresh spinach with smoked ham hock, enriched with a creamy cream sauce. This recipe is not only an explosion of flavors but also an excellent way to add vegetables to our diet. Spinach, rich in vitamins, is a versatile ingredient that can turn any meal into a culinary feast. Let's get started!
A Brief History of the Recipe
Spinach is an ingredient with a long history, cherished since ancient times for its nutritional value. Its association with tasty and healthy dishes has been reinforced over time, becoming a favorite in many culinary cultures. Adding smoked ham hock to this dish makes each bite rich and savory, offering a touch of rusticity that connects us to culinary traditions.
Ingredients
- 2 kg fresh spinach
- 250 g smoked pork hock, deboned and sliced thin
- 2 medium onions, sliced
- 4-5 garlic cloves, crushed
- 50 g butter
- 400 g cream
- 50 g grated parmesan
- 1 egg yolk
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 4-5 fresh basil leaves
- 2 sprigs of thyme
- 4 sprigs of fresh lovage
- 4 sprigs of fresh dill
- 1 l water
- For serving:
- Fried or poached eggs
- Mixed grated cheese
- Toasted bread
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Preparing the Spinach:
- Start by removing the stems and tougher parts from the spinach. Wash it well under cold running water to remove impurities.
- Boil a pot of water and add a teaspoon of salt. When the water starts to boil, add the spinach and blanch for 30 seconds. This will keep the spinach's vibrant green color.
- After blanching, drain the spinach and chop it into smaller strips. Tip: Add a pinch of baking soda to the blanching water to maintain the spinach's intense green color.
2. Preparing the Ham Hock:
- Slice the smoked ham hock thinly. Heat the butter in a large pan over medium heat. When the butter has melted, add the slices of ham hock and fry for 3-4 minutes or until golden and crispy.
3. Adding the Onion and Cooking:
- Add the sliced onion over the fried ham hock. Stir well and let it sweat, occasionally adding a few tablespoons of the water used to blanch the spinach. This will prevent burning and allow the onion to become translucent.
4. Incorporating the Spinach:
- When the onion is ready, add the chopped spinach to the pan. Pour in enough water to lightly cover the spinach and add the basil leaves and thyme sprigs. Cover with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Preparing the Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix the egg yolk with the crushed garlic, cream, and grated parmesan. When the spinach has cooked, add the cream mixture to the pan, stirring continuously to avoid curdling the sauce. Let it simmer for another 6-7 minutes, adjusting the taste with salt and pepper.
6. Finalizing the Dish:
- Finally, turn off the heat and add the chopped herbs (lovage and dill). These will add a fresh and aromatic note to the dish.
Serving
Serve this delicacy with fried or poached eggs on top, generously sprinkled with grated cheese and accompanied by crispy toasted bread. A small addition of freshly chopped chili can add an extra kick if you're looking for a spicier taste.
Practical Tips
- Veggie Version: If you want to make a vegetarian version, you can replace the smoked ham hock with mushrooms or smoked tofu.
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen spinach? Yes, but it is recommended to thaw and drain it well before use.
- What other vegetables can I add? Finely chopped carrots or zucchini pair perfectly with this recipe.
- Nutritional Benefits: Spinach is rich in vitamins A, C, K, iron, and calcium, making it an excellent food for bone and skin health.
Conclusion
This recipe for spinach with smoked ham hock and cream sauce is perfect for a comforting family dinner or to impress friends. It is a delicious combination that will bring a touch of warmth and joy to every meal. Don't forget to experiment and adapt the recipe to your tastes! Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: 2 kg spinach, 250 g smoked and deboned pork hock, 2 onions, 4-5 cloves of garlic, 50 g butter, 400 g sour cream, 50 g grated parmesan, 1 egg yolk, salt, pepper, 4-5 basil leaves, 2 sprigs of thyme, 4 sprigs of fresh lovage, 4 sprigs of fresh dill, 1 l water. For serving: fried eggs, mixed grated cheese, toasted bread.
