Baked eggs on a bed of spinach

Baked Eggs on a Bed of Spinach

Total preparation time: 40 minutes
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Have you ever thought about how wonderful a dish can be that combines health with flavor? Baked eggs on a bed of spinach are a perfect recipe to bring a tasty and nourishing meal to the table, packed with essential nutrients. This dish is not only delicious but also very simple to make, making it ideal for a quick dinner or a healthy lunch.

The history of this recipe is linked to culinary traditions that emphasize fresh, seasonal ingredients. Spinach, a vegetable rich in iron and vitamins, has been valued over time for its nutritional benefits. Combined with eggs, which are an excellent source of protein, this dish becomes a healthy and nourishing choice.

Ingredients:
- 1 kg fresh spinach
- 6-8 slices of cheese (preferably a good quality one that melts well)
- 4 fresh eggs
- 2 white onions
- 1 small carrot
- 1 green onion
- ½ bell pepper (red or green, as preferred)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water for boiling

Preparation:

1. Preparing the spinach: Start by cleaning and washing the spinach well, ensuring that you remove all impurities. It is important that the spinach is fresh to provide the best flavors and nutritional benefits. Bring water to a boil in a large pot, adding a teaspoon of salt. Once the water is boiling, add the spinach and let it boil for 10-15 minutes. If possible, add the spinach to already hot water to preserve as many vitamins as possible.

2. Preparing the vegetables: Meanwhile, clean the onions and chop them finely. The carrot should also be peeled and grated, and the bell pepper diced. Heat a pan with a little olive oil or butter and add the onion, carrot, and bell pepper. Sauté the vegetables over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the carrot softens slightly.

3. Combining the ingredients: Once the spinach is cooked, drain it well and add it to the pan over the sautéed vegetables. Mix well and let everything sauté together for about 10 minutes. Here you can add salt and pepper to taste, as these spices will enhance the dish's flavors.

4. Preparing for the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Transfer the spinach and vegetable mixture to a baking dish or a yena dish. Ensure it is evenly distributed. Cut the cheese into small cubes and sprinkle it evenly over the mixture.

5. Adding the eggs: Make four indentations in the mixture in the dish, then crack an egg into each indentation. This step is essential as the eggs will bake directly on the bed of spinach, and the yolks will be creamy and delicious. Sprinkle salt and pepper again, to taste.

6. Baking: Place the dish in the preheated oven and let it bake for 20-25 minutes. Check if the eggs are cooked to your liking – if you prefer softer yolks, shorten the baking time.

7. Serving: Once the dish is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. It is delicious served warm, but you can also enjoy it at room temperature. A personal suggestion would be to serve it with a fresh salad of tomatoes and cucumbers for a refreshing contrast.

Practical tips:
- Vegetarian option: If you want to make the recipe even heartier, add some sautéed mushrooms along with the vegetables.
- Cheddar or mozzarella: You can experiment with other types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, for a different taste.
- Spices: Add spices like nutmeg or garlic powder to enhance the dish's aroma.

Nutritional benefits:
- Spinach is rich in iron, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and K, having beneficial effects on bone health, the immune system, and vision.
- Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein and contain essential nutrients like choline.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen spinach? Yes, frozen spinach is a convenient alternative. Make sure to thaw and drain it well before use.
- Can it be prepared in advance? You can prepare the spinach and vegetable mixture a few hours ahead, then just add the eggs and bake it before serving.
- What can I serve with this dish? Baked eggs on a bed of spinach pair wonderfully with a slice of toasted bread or a fresh salad.

This dish is not just a spinach meal, but a true celebration of flavors! Get inspired by our recipe and turn it into your favorite recipe. Enjoy your meal!