Hungarian-style Spinach

Hungarian-style Spinach Recipe - Vegetarian Dish from Hungary and Switzerland

Region / culture: Hungary, Switzerland | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Hungarian-style Spinach is a delicious and creamy dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. This recipe combines fresh swiss chard with a rich and flavorful sauce that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

History

This recipe has its roots in Hungarian cuisine, where spinach is a popular ingredient in many dishes. The creamy sauce adds a unique twist to the traditional spinach dish, making it a favorite among many.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) of fresh spinach or swiss chard, cooked, well drained and chopped
2 tbsp of butter
1 clove of fresh garlic, finely chopped
2 tbsp of flour
0.25 tsp of salt
0.13 tsp of ground pepper
0.75 cup of cream or milk

How to prepare

Melt 2 tbsp of butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
Add 1 finely chopped fresh garlic clove and sauté for about a minute.
Be careful not to let the garlic burn as it will become bitter.
Stir in 2 tbsp of flour to create a roux.
Add 0.25 tsp of salt and 0.13 tsp of pepper, and continue heating until the mixture starts to bubble, stirring constantly.
Remove from heat.
Gradually add 0.75 cups of cream or milk, stirring well.
Return to heat and continue stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and thickened.
Finally, blend in the well-drained spinach into the sauce and serve.

Variations

Add cooked bacon or pancetta for a smoky flavor.
Substitute spinach for kale or collard greens for a different twist.
Top with breadcrumbs and bake for a crispy finish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the swiss chard until it is well drained to prevent excess moisture in the dish.

- Keep an eye on the garlic while sautéing to avoid burning and bitterness.

- Gradually add the milk to the roux to prevent lumps from forming in the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Hungarian-style Spinach as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish. It also pairs well with rice or pasta.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the swiss chard until it is well drained to prevent excess moisture in the dish.

- Keep an eye on the garlic while sautéing to avoid burning and bitterness.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use kale or collard greens instead of swiss chard.

- Substitute olive oil for butter for a dairy-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the sauce ahead of time and store in the refrigerator. Cook the swiss chard and combine with the sauce just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Hungarian-style Spinach in a decorative serving dish garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a glass of dry white wine or a light lager beer for a refreshing combination.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 150 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 12g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 8g per serving

Saturated Fat: 5g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 5g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 80% DV

Vitamin C: 30% DV

Iron: 15% DV

Alergens

Contains dairy (butter, milk)

Summary

This Hungarian-style Spinach dish is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as iron. It is relatively low in calories and carbohydrates, making it a healthy option for a meal.

Summary

Hungarian-style Spinach is a creamy and flavorful dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. With its rich sauce and tender swiss chard, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her small village in Hungary. Maria was known for her delicious and traditional Hungarian dishes, and I was always eager to learn new recipes from her.

On that particular day, Maria invited me into her cozy kitchen and handed me a yellowed piece of paper with a scribbled recipe on it. "This is my family's recipe for Hungarian-style Spinach," she said with a twinkle in her eye. "It's a simple dish, but one that has been passed down for generations."

I carefully studied the ingredients and instructions on the paper, taking mental notes of each step. The recipe called for fresh spinach, onions, garlic, paprika, and sour cream, among other things. It seemed like a perfect dish for a light and healthy meal.

As Maria guided me through the preparation of the dish, I couldn't help but be mesmerized by the way she moved around the kitchen with ease and confidence. She chopped the onions and garlic with precision, sautéed them in a pan until they were fragrant, and then added the fresh spinach leaves to wilt in the flavorful mixture.

The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating - a mix of earthy spinach, pungent garlic, and smoky paprika. I knew then and there that this dish would become a staple in my own kitchen.

After the spinach had cooked down and the flavors had melded together, Maria added a dollop of sour cream to finish off the dish. The creamy richness of the sour cream balanced out the tangy flavors of the spinach perfectly, creating a harmonious and satisfying dish.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, Maria shared stories of her childhood in Hungary and how her grandmother used to make this dish for her family on special occasions. I could see the love and nostalgia in her eyes as she spoke, and I felt honored to be able to carry on this tradition in my own family.

From that day on, Hungarian-style Spinach became a beloved recipe in my repertoire. I made it for my family and friends, always receiving rave reviews and requests for the recipe. I even entered it into a local cooking competition, where it won first prize and earned me a spot in the newspaper.

But more than the accolades and recognition, what I cherished most about this recipe was the connection it gave me to my friend Maria and her heritage. Every time I made Hungarian-style Spinach, I felt like I was bringing a piece of Hungary into my own home, honoring the traditions and memories of my dear friend.

As I sit here now, looking back on that day in Maria's kitchen, I can't help but feel grateful for the gift she gave me - not just a recipe, but a piece of her heart and soul. And as I take a bite of the savory spinach dish that has brought so much joy and warmth into my life, I know that I will continue to make it for years to come, passing down the tradition to future generations. The legacy of Hungarian-style Spinach lives on, thanks to the love and friendship that inspired its creation.