Spinach with mushrooms and cheese

Spinach with Mushrooms and Cheese – A Simple and Delicious Recipe, Full of Flavor!

It is well known that spinach is a superfood, packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Enriched with mushrooms and a blend of cheese, this dish becomes an excellent choice for a healthy and tasty meal. What makes this recipe so special is the combination of textures and flavors, all wrapped in a soft and crispy dough. Get ready to experience a burst of flavors that will delight all your senses!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 400 g all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 250 ml lukewarm water (not included in the initial list)

For the filling:
- 500 g fresh spinach (or frozen)
- 2 green garlic stalks
- 4 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons yogurt (or sour cream)
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 5-6 fresh mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 250 g grated sheep cheese
- 150 g grated smoked cheese
- Thyme, to taste
- Freshly ground pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preparing the dough:
One of the most important steps in this recipe is the dough. It’s simple to make and can be prepared using a bread machine or by hand.

If using a bread machine, add all the dough ingredients in the order specified by the manufacturer, starting with the lukewarm water. If you prefer to knead by hand, in a large bowl, combine the flour, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Gradually add the lukewarm water and knead until you get an elastic dough. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rise for about 30-40 minutes, or until it doubles in size.

2. Preparing the filling:
While the dough is rising, let’s prepare the filling. Wash the spinach well, and if using frozen spinach, make sure it’s thawed and drained of excess water.

In a blender, add the spinach, chopped green garlic, the 4 garlic cloves, yogurt, eggs, and salt. Blend everything until you get a smooth paste. It’s important for this mixture to have a uniform texture so it integrates perfectly into the dough.

3. Assembling the dish:
Once the dough has risen, preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a baking dish (preferably Pyroflam) with butter to prevent sticking.

Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface so that it is thin enough to cover the bottom of the dish. Transfer the dough to the dish, making sure the edges are slightly raised.

Now, pour the spinach mixture over the dough. Then, wash the mushrooms and slice them thinly, distributing them evenly on top of the spinach mixture. Sprinkle thyme and freshly ground pepper, then add the grated sheep cheese and smoked cheese on top.

4. Baking:
Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 40 minutes at 180°C, then increase the temperature to 200°C for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and browned.

5. Serving:
Once the dish is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. You can serve this delicacy on its own or alongside delicious meatballs, which will perfectly complement the meal.

Helpful tips:
- Vary the ingredients: You can also add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, for an even richer filling.
- Use feta cheese instead of sheep cheese for a saltier and more intense flavor.
- The dough can be prepared 1-2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making the cooking process even quicker.
- If you want a crispy dough, try baking it on a pizza stone or a preheated baking tray.

Nutritional benefits:
Spinach is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, K, and minerals such as iron and calcium. Mushrooms provide fiber and antioxidants, while cheese offers quality protein. Together, these ingredients create a dish that is not only tasty but also healthy, perfect for a nutritious meal.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use frozen spinach? Yes, frozen spinach can be used, but make sure to remove excess water before adding it to the filling.
- Can I prepare it in advance? Absolutely! You can assemble the dish and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
- What other side dishes can I use? Besides meatballs, a fresh green salad or a tomato and cucumber salad pairs perfectly with this dish.

Now that you have all the necessary information, it’s time to get cooking! This spinach with mushrooms and cheese recipe will surely become a family favorite. Enjoy every bite and cherish the moments spent around the table!