Creamed Spinach With Nutmeg and Parmesan Crust

Submitted by English_Rose

"For a luxurious vegetable side-dish try this rich creamed spinach, flavoured with Parmesan, lemon zest and nutmeg."

 

• Ready In: 50mins
• Ingredients: 9
• Serves: 4

ingredients

• 2 lbs spinach
• 1 2⁄3 cups milk
• 5 ounces butter
• 5 ounces flour
• 1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 pinch salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 5 ounces ciabatta, made into bread crumbs
• 7 ounces parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 1⁄2 lemon, zest of

directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F Bring a large pan of water to the boil. Add the spinach and blanch for 1-2 minutes, drain, plunge into cold water and squeeze dry.
2. Heat the milk in a saucepan. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a heavy-based saucepan. Mix in the flour and gradually stir in the hot milk, stirring until the mixture thickens into a white sauce.
3. Stir in the spinach and season with freshly grated nutmeg, salt and freshly ground pepper, mixing well.
4. Place the spinach mixture into a rounded ovenproof dish and top with a layer of stale ciabatta breadcrumbs and then a layer of Parmesan cheese.
5. Sprinkle over the lemon zest, then top with the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake for 15 minutes and serve warm from the oven.