Gratin Of Fresh Spinach And Mushrooms(A Gourmet Vegetable Dish)
A savory gratin combining fresh spinach and mushrooms with rich cream and Parmesan, baked until golden—perfect for vegetable lovers and comforting meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sweat shallots, garlic, and mushrooms until tender.
- Add spinach; cook until tender.
- Add sherry, salt, and pepper.
- Remove from heat and drain.
- Place spinach-mushroom mixture in a small casserole dish.
- Top with reduced cream and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Gratin in a 400°F oven until golden brown on top and cream is bubbling.
- Serve right from the oven.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra depth of flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cream mixture before baking. If you don't have sherry, white wine or vegetable broth can serve as a suitable substitute. Fresh spinach can be replaced with frozen spinach; just ensure it is well-drained to avoid excess moisture. Pair this dish with Boxty (Irish Potato Pancakes) for a delightful meal.
Serving Suggestions
This gratin is best served hot, straight from the oven, as a side dish to complement a protein like grilled chicken or fish. It also pairs well with a fresh salad drizzled with Fruit Dressing For Salad for a balanced meal. Consider serving alongside crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and warm in a preheated 350°F oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the gratin soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gratin Of Fresh Spinach And Mushrooms(A Gourmet Vegetable Dish) contains roughly 185 calories, with 14g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (79% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (63% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 803mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this gratin ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the spinach and mushroom mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the cream and cheese topping right before baking. This saves time on busy nights, allowing for a quick and delicious dish.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you don't have Parmesan cheese, you can use Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano as alternatives. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
To lighten this dish, consider using half-and-half instead of cream, or substituting Greek yogurt for a lower-fat option. You can also increase the amount of vegetables for a more wholesome dish without compromising flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).