Spinach Purée with Feta Cheese

Spinach Purée with Feta Cheese Recipe - Authentic Bulgarian Cuisine

Region / culture: Bulgaria | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Spinach purée with feta cheese is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the earthy flavors of spinach with the tangy richness of feta cheese. This recipe is a great way to incorporate more leafy greens into your diet while still enjoying a flavorful and satisfying meal.

History

Spinach purée with feta cheese has its origins in Mediterranean cuisine, where both spinach and feta cheese are commonly used ingredients. The combination of these two ingredients creates a dish that is both creamy and savory, making it a popular choice for vegetarians and cheese lovers alike.

Ingredients

1 kg spinach
5 tbsp plain flour
100 g butter
200 g feta cheese / brined sheep's cheese
2 eggs
salt
1 – 2 medium onions, finely chopped

How to prepare

Wash the spinach and cut it into fine strips. Cook it in salty water for approximately 15 minutes. Drain the spinach and let it cool. Then, puree it.
In a pan, melt the butter and add the flour. Fry the onions for about 5 minutes.
Add 150 ml of water (or milk) and the pureed spinach to the pan. Bring it to a boil, stirring frequently.
Cook for about 5 minutes and then add the beaten eggs and crumbled cheese.
Continue cooking for another 5 minutes and remove from heat.

Variations

Add a pinch of nutmeg or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Substitute the feta cheese with goat cheese or ricotta for a different flavor profile.
Mix in some cooked quinoa or couscous for added texture and protein.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to thoroughly wash the spinach before cooking to remove any dirt or debris.

- Cooking the spinach in salty water helps to enhance its flavor and preserve its vibrant green color.

- Adding a touch of flour to the butter helps to thicken the purée and create a creamy texture.

- Be sure to stir the mixture frequently while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the pan.

- Crumbling the feta cheese into small pieces allows it to melt evenly throughout the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the spinach purée with feta cheese as a side dish to grilled chicken or fish.

- Spread the purée on toast or crackers for a tasty snack.

- Top the purée with toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the spinach until it is tender but still bright green to preserve its nutrients.

- Whisk the eggs before adding them to the pan to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

- Crumble the feta cheese into small pieces to evenly distribute it throughout the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use olive oil instead of butter for a healthier option.

- Substitute kale or Swiss chard for the spinach if desired.

- Use a dairy-free cheese alternative for a vegan version of this dish.

Make Ahead Tips

The spinach purée can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Reheat the purée gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the spinach purée with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill. - Serve the purée in individual ramekins or small bowls for an elegant presentation. - Drizzle a balsamic reduction or pesto sauce over the purée for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the spinach purée with feta cheese with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

- Serve the dish with a side of crusty bread or garlic toast for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the purée gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Approximately 300 calories per serving

Carbohydrates

- Spinach: 3g per 100g

- Plain flour: 76g per 100g

- Cheese: 1g per 100g

- Onions: 9g per 100g

Fats

- Butter: 81g per 100g

- Cheese: 21g per 100g

- Eggs: 10g per egg

Proteins

- Spinach: 3g per 100g

- Cheese: 17g per 100g

- Eggs: 13g per egg

Vitamins and minerals

Spinach is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium.

- Feta cheese is a good source of calcium and phosphorus.

- Onions contain vitamin C, B vitamins, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese, butter, eggs) and gluten (flour).

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, but is also high in fat and calories due to the use of butter and cheese.

Summary

Spinach purée with feta cheese is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is easy to make and versatile to serve. With a creamy texture and savory taste, this dish is sure to become a favorite among your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

It feels like just yesterday when I stumbled upon this recipe for Spinach Purée with Feta Cheese. I remember it like it was yesterday, even though it was many years ago. It all started when I was a young girl, still learning the ways of the kitchen from my own grandmother.

I was always fascinated by the way she could take simple ingredients and turn them into a delicious meal that brought our family together. I would watch her in awe as she chopped, stirred, and seasoned with such ease and grace. I knew that I wanted to learn how to cook just like her, so I spent many hours by her side, soaking up all of her knowledge.

One day, while we were flipping through an old cookbook that had been handed down through the generations, we came across a recipe for Spinach Purée with Feta Cheese. My grandmother's eyes lit up as she read through the ingredients and instructions. She explained to me that this dish was a traditional Greek recipe that she had learned from a dear friend many years ago.

As she began to prepare the dish, I watched intently, taking mental notes of each step and technique she used. She started by blanching fresh spinach in boiling water, then transferring it to a blender to create a smooth and vibrant green purée. Next, she crumbled feta cheese into the purée, adding a touch of lemon juice and olive oil for extra flavor.

The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish. When my grandmother finally plated the Spinach Purée with Feta Cheese and sprinkled it with a handful of pine nuts, I took my first bite and was blown away by the delicious flavors that danced on my tongue.

From that moment on, I knew that this recipe would become one of my favorites, a go-to dish that I would make for my own family and friends. I practiced making it over and over again, honing my skills and perfecting the flavors until I could create a Spinach Purée with Feta Cheese that rivaled my grandmother's.

Over the years, I have shared this recipe with many people, passing on the tradition and love that went into creating it. Each time I make it, I am reminded of my grandmother and the joy that cooking brings to my life. This dish has become a staple in our family, a symbol of love, tradition, and the power of food to bring people together.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the memories of that day when I first learned to make Spinach Purée with Feta Cheese, I am filled with gratitude for the lessons my grandmother taught me and the legacy of cooking that she passed down to me. I will always cherish the time we spent together in the kitchen, creating delicious meals and lasting memories that will live on for generations to come.