Spinach with Chicken and Baked Eggs

Spinach with Chicken and Baked Eggs

If you're looking for a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make recipe, spinach with chicken and baked eggs is the perfect choice. This tasty combination blends the proteins from the meat with the essential nutrients from spinach, providing a main dish that satisfies both the taste buds and nutritional needs. Additionally, baking ensures a pleasant texture and rich flavor, perfect for any occasion.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Recipe History

This recipe has deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures, where spinach has been valued for centuries for its nutritional benefits. Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron, spinach is often combined with various types of meat to create nourishing dishes. Chicken, a versatile and easily digestible ingredient, perfectly complements this recipe, making it ideal for family meals or gatherings with friends.

Ingredients

- 4 chicken thighs (or 500 g chicken breast)
- 1 medium onion
- 1 carrot
- 2-3 celery stalks
- 2 garlic cloves
- 400 g peeled tomatoes (or 200 ml tomato juice/tomato paste)
- 1 bell pepper
- 1.5 - 2 kg fresh spinach
- 2-3 eggs
- Olive oil (or other preferred oil)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Lemon juice (for serving)

Practical Tips about Ingredients

To achieve a more intense flavor, choose chicken thighs with bone, as the meat becomes juicier during cooking. Fresh spinach is preferable, as it tastes better than frozen. Make sure to wash the spinach well, as it may contain sand. If you want to reduce cooking time, you can opt for pre-cooked chicken.

Preparation Techniques

1. Preparing the meat: Wash the chicken thighs under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Place them in a pot with cold water, adding the onion, carrot, celery, and a pinch of salt. Boil for 20-25 minutes until the meat is fully cooked. If you prefer, you can fry the thighs in a pan with a little oil for a golden crust.

2. Preparing the vegetables: In a pan, add a splash of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion, carrot, and celery until soft. Then, add the diced bell pepper and crushed garlic, stirring until softened.

3. Adding the spinach: Add the washed spinach to the pan, stirring continuously. It is important not to blanch it, to preserve the vitamins. If necessary, you can add a few tablespoons of water to help wilt the spinach. Once the spinach has wilted, add the peeled tomatoes or tomato juice, mixing well.

4. Blending the mixture: Transfer the vegetable and spinach mixture to a blender and blend gently to achieve a smooth texture. You can leave some larger pieces for a pleasant texture contrast.

5. Assembling the dish: Add the spinach mixture to a baking dish, add the boiled or fried chicken cut into cubes, and season with salt, pepper, and meat juice (if you have saved some from boiling). Mix well to combine all ingredients.

6. Baking: Place the dish in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for about 20-25 minutes, until the dish is lightly browned.

7. Adding the eggs: Finally, crack a few eggs on top of the mixture and return the dish to the oven for another 5-7 minutes, until the eggs are cooked but still slightly runny in the center.

8. Serving: Serve the dish warm, drizzled with lemon juice for an extra touch of freshness. You can accompany this main dish with a fresh green salad or homemade bread for a pleasant contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, but it's recommended to thaw and drain it well before use, as it may release water during cooking.

2. What other types of meat can I use?
You can replace chicken with turkey or even pork, although cooking time may vary.

3. How can I make this recipe vegan?
You can replace the meat with tofu or legumes (e.g., lentils or chickpeas) and the eggs with a mixture of chickpea flour and water to achieve a similar texture.

4. What other ingredients could I add?
You can experiment with feta or mozzarella cheese, which will melt beautifully during baking, adding a creamy taste to the dish.

Nutritional Benefits

This recipe is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Spinach contains antioxidants that help strengthen the immune system, while chicken provides lean protein necessary for the body. Additionally, eggs are a good source of choline, essential for optimal brain function.

Possible Variations

If you want to add a touch of flavor, you can include spices such as cumin, sweet paprika, or oregano. You can also play around with the types of vegetables added, such as zucchini or mushrooms, which will provide a different texture and taste to the dish.

This spinach with chicken and baked eggs is not just a simple recipe but a true explosion of flavors and nutritional benefits. I encourage you to try this recipe and personalize it to your liking. Enjoy the moments spent in the kitchen and savor the delicious result!