To make a delicious dish, start by browning strips of kaiser or bacon in a tablespoon of hot oil. This step will add a savory flavor to the dish, so make sure they become crispy and golden. Once the bacon is cooked, add the finely chopped onion. Continue to sauté the mixture until the onion becomes translucent, releasing its enticing aroma. At the end of this step, add the crushed garlic and let it cook for another minute, then set the mixture aside to cool slightly.
In another pot, prepare the béchamel sauce. Start by melting the butter over medium heat and add the flour, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. After a few minutes, when the flour becomes slightly golden, start adding the milk gradually, continuing to stir. Let the sauce simmer on low heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens to the consistency of a thicker cream. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg, to taste, to give it an extra flavor. Set the béchamel sauce aside.
If you prefer to use fresh spinach, infuse it for a few minutes in boiling salted water, so it softens a bit. After it has softened, drain it and rinse it immediately with cold water to maintain its vibrant color. Make sure to drain it well and then chop it finely. If you opt for frozen spinach, let it thaw in a colander and drain the excess water.
Now you are ready to assemble the dish. In a heatproof dish, spread an even layer of tomato puree or paste over the entire surface, which will add a sweet and sour taste. On top of this, evenly place the chopped spinach, covering the entire tray well. Distribute the mixture with cooked kaiser or bacon, making sure it is evenly spread. Sprinkle half of the grated cheese on top of the mixture, which will melt and create a delicious crust. Pour the béchamel sauce over everything, leveling it with a spatula. Finally, sprinkle the remaining grated cheese, giving the dish an appetizing appearance.
Bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for about 20 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted and nicely browned. Once the dish is ready, take it out of the oven and serve immediately, either as a side dish or as a main course, to enjoy all the delicious flavors and textures. This recipe will surely bring joy to your meals!
In another pot, prepare the béchamel sauce. Start by melting the butter over medium heat and add the flour, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. After a few minutes, when the flour becomes slightly golden, start adding the milk gradually, continuing to stir. Let the sauce simmer on low heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens to the consistency of a thicker cream. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg, to taste, to give it an extra flavor. Set the béchamel sauce aside.
If you prefer to use fresh spinach, infuse it for a few minutes in boiling salted water, so it softens a bit. After it has softened, drain it and rinse it immediately with cold water to maintain its vibrant color. Make sure to drain it well and then chop it finely. If you opt for frozen spinach, let it thaw in a colander and drain the excess water.
Now you are ready to assemble the dish. In a heatproof dish, spread an even layer of tomato puree or paste over the entire surface, which will add a sweet and sour taste. On top of this, evenly place the chopped spinach, covering the entire tray well. Distribute the mixture with cooked kaiser or bacon, making sure it is evenly spread. Sprinkle half of the grated cheese on top of the mixture, which will melt and create a delicious crust. Pour the béchamel sauce over everything, leveling it with a spatula. Finally, sprinkle the remaining grated cheese, giving the dish an appetizing appearance.
Bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for about 20 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted and nicely browned. Once the dish is ready, take it out of the oven and serve immediately, either as a side dish or as a main course, to enjoy all the delicious flavors and textures. This recipe will surely bring joy to your meals!
Ingredients
- 200 g kaiser / bacon, cut into strips about 1 cm wide - oil - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2-4 cloves of garlic, crushed - 2 tablespoons flour - 1 tablespoon butter - about 500 ml milk - salt - pepper, freshly ground - nutmeg powder, to taste - 400 g fresh / frozen spinach - 200 ml thick tomato sauce (puree / paste) - 250 - 350 g grated cheese