Easy Spinach souffle
Instructions:
- Serve this souffle immediately in the dish, or let
cool and unmold for a denser version.
- Cooking spray
- 3 tablespoons bread crumbs
- 10 ounces spinach, well washed, tough stems removed
- 4 teaspoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups skim milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 2 whole large eggs, separated
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (2 ounces)
- 2 large egg whites
- Pinch of cream of tartar
- Preheat the oven to 400F. Position the rack in the center of the oven. Coat a 2-quart souffle dish or 6 individual 8-ounce dishes with cooking spray. Coat with bread crumbs. Tap out excess; set aside.
- Fill a bowl with ice and water; set aside. Place a steamer basket in a large saucepan; fill with 1 inch water. Bring to a boil, and add the spinach. Cover, and steam until wilted, about 3 minutes. Drain, and plunge into the ice bath to stop the cooking. Let cool, and squeeze out excess water. Place the spinach in the bowl of a food processor; pulse until finely chopped; set aside. You should have about 1 cup.
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, and cook, stirring constantly, for 3 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk, and bring just to a simmer. Cook, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes. Stir in salt and pepper. Remove from heat, and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk 2 egg yolks until blended. Whisk in a little white sauce to temper the eggs, then add the remaining sauce, whisking until combined. Add the cooked spinach and grated cheese.
- Place the 4 egg whites and cream of tartar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat on low until soft peaks begin to form. Increase speed to high; beat until stiff peaks form and the egg whites are smooth.
- Using a rubber spatula, transfer one-third of the egg whites to the spinach mixture; gently fold in until blended. Add the spinach mixture to the remaining egg whites; gently fold in until just combined. Pour into the prepared dish or dishes.
- Place the souffle in the oven; reduce heat to 375F. Bake until puffed and golden, 20 to 30 minutes. Serve immediately.