Sarasota's Spinach and Onion Fried Spaghetti

SarasotaCook's Note:

Leftover pasta? ... this is a favorite. A box of frozen spinach, a little cheese and a perfect side dish. Serve this along a roast chicken, grilled steak and my favorite is a grilled ham steak. Very quick and easy.

• Total Time: 35 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 6-8

Yield: 6.0 Individ ...

• 3 1⁄3; cups cooked spaghetti or 3 1⁄3; cups you can use thin spaghetti
• 1 (7 ounce) box frozen spinach (chopped, thawed and drained well)
• 1 small onion , diced
• 2 scallions , diced (whites and green)
• 3 eggs , large
• 2⁄3; cup milk
• 2⁄3; cup parmesan cheese or 2⁄3; cup romano cheese , shredded
• 5 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• salt
• pepper

Garnish

• parmesan cheese or romano cheese

Directions:

1. Pasta -- Now you can use leftover pasta which I do. If you make spaghetti one night - Add in a little extra and keep it in the fridge for a couple of days, pull it out and make this to serve along side another meal. Easy, inexpensive and just a nice change. I use spaghetti or a thin spaghetti, not a fan of angel hair for this dish. So either bring your leftover spaghetti or cooked spaghetti to ROOM temperature Make sure that the spaghetti is done and tender, not undercooked.
2. Onions -- In a medium heavy non-stick saute pan (important for this dish), add the olive oil, onions, garlic and scallions and cook on medium heat for 3-4 minutes until tender. Stir in the spinach and cook another minute just to combine with the onions and garlic. Remove and add to the bowl with the pasta. Stir to combine.
3. Egg Mixture -- In a small bowl, add the eggs, milk, cheese, red pepper, nutmeg, salt and pepper and mix well. Pour over the pasta and vegetable mixture.
4. Spaghetti -- In that same pan you cooked the veggies inches Melt the butter and bring to medium heat, when butter is past the point of foaming and melted, add in the pasta and flatten into a big pancake. Press down well -- you really want to flatten it. I use my potato masher to flatten mine, but you use the palm of your hand, a can, or any spatula. Use what works best for you.
5. Cook -- Medium heat until the bottom crust is golden brown. I just take a peak from the side using my spatula to check. Usually 5-10 minutes, depending on the size and type of pan.
6. Flip. Just use a spatula, it will flip very easily - like a pancake. Cook side 2 until golden brown as well.
7. Serve -- Once golden on both sides, remove to a serving plate and garnish with Parmesan or Romano cheese. Let set a minute or two and slice in wedges. Serve with anything you want. I happen to love a ham steak and a crisp salad for an easy dinner in no time.