Cooking Spinach with Potatoes: A Spanish Delight

Introduction

Have you ever craved a dish that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also transports you to another country? Well, let me introduce you to a delectable recipe that a friend from Spain taught me: Spinach with Potatoes. This savory dish combines the earthy flavors of potatoes with the freshness of spinach, creating a harmonious blend that will surely delight your senses.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather all the ingredients we’ll need:

• 450 g of potatoes (approximately 1 pound)
• 1 onion
• 250 g of spinach (approximately 8.8 ounces)
• 4 eggs
• 4 tablespoons of sour cream
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 150 g of hard cheese (mozzarella or any of your choice) (approximately 1 1/2 cups shredded)

Procedure

Washing and Preparing the Potatoes

1. Begin by washing the potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt.
2. Peel the potatoes and cut them into medium-sized cubes.
3. Place the cubed potatoes in a pot and cover them with water. Add 1-1 1/2 teaspoons of salt to the water.
4. Boil the potatoes on medium heat for 5-7 minutes until they are soft. Test their readiness by piercing them with a fork.
5. Once cooked, strain the potatoes from the water and let them cool slightly.

Preparing the Onion and Spinach

1. While the potatoes are boiling, finely chop one onion.
2. Heat a pan with a little oil over low heat and add the chopped onion.
3. Cook the onion until it softens, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4. Wash the spinach thoroughly and cut it into thin strips, discarding any damaged parts.
5. Add the spinach to the pan with the cooked onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until the spinach wilts.
6. Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.

Creating the Dressing

1. In a deep bowl, crack 4 eggs and whisk them together.
2. Add 4 tablespoons of sour cream to the eggs and whisk until well combined.
3. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
4. Add 1 teaspoon of baking powder to the mixture and combine thoroughly.
5. Grate half of the hard cheese and add it to the egg mixture, stirring to incorporate.

Assembling and Baking

1. Grease a baking dish and arrange the boiled potatoes in an even layer.
2. Spread the cooked spinach and onion mixture over the potatoes.
3. Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the spinach layer.
4. Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese over the top.
5. Bake the dish in a preheated oven at 180°C for approximately 20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cooking spinach with potatoes is not only a delicious way to enjoy two humble ingredients but also a tribute to the rich culinary traditions of Spain. With simple yet flavorful components, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
   • Yes, frozen spinach can be substituted for fresh. Just be sure to thaw and drain it before using.
2. What type of potatoes works best for this recipe?
   • Any variety of potatoes suitable for boiling will work well in this dish. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are good options.
3. Can I omit the cheese from the recipe?
   • While cheese adds a deliciously creamy texture and flavor, you can omit it if you prefer a dairy-free version.
4. How long will leftovers last in the refrigerator?
   • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
5. Can I freeze this dish for later?
   • Yes, you can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Simply cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, increase the baking time accordingly.