Spinach and Beans Au Gratin Recipe
This delightful and comforting Spinach and Beans Au Gratin recipe was inspired by a family favorite passed down from my mother-in-law. Originally found in The Outer Banks Bountiful Cookbook, this dish offers a nutritious combination of tender spinach, hearty beans, and a flavorful medley of spices, all baked under a bubbly layer of melted mozzarella cheese. While the recipe is intended to serve 6 as a side, my mother-in-law has found it to be filling enough for 2 people to share as a main meal. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and doesn’t take more than 30 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients
To make this delicious Spinach and Beans Au Gratin, you will need the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Onion (diced) | 1 medium |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Black beans (drained and rinsed) | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Vegetarian chicken broth | 1 cup |
| Whole tomatoes (with juice) | 1 can (14.5 oz) |
| Dried basil | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Dried oregano | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Dried rosemary | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cayenne pepper | 1/8 teaspoon |
| Fresh spinach | 1 bag (about 6 cups) |
| Mozzarella cheese (shredded) | 1 cup |
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Spinach and Beans Au Gratin provides the following nutritional values:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 193.5 kcal |
| Total Fat | 6.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.8 g |
| Cholesterol | 20 mg |
| Sodium | 181.7 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 23.5 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.8 g |
| Sugars | 3.4 g |
| Protein | 11.8 g |
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare this flavorful dish:
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Melt the Butter: Begin by melting the butter in a 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat. The cast iron skillet helps to evenly distribute the heat, ensuring that your dish cooks perfectly.
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Sauté the Onion: Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté it for about 4-5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and soft. This step is crucial as it builds the base flavor for your dish.
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Add the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and continue sautéing for another minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
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Add the Beans, Broth, and Tomatoes: To the skillet, add the drained black beans, vegetarian chicken broth, and the can of whole tomatoes with juice. Break up the tomatoes with a spoon or spatula to make them easier to incorporate into the dish.
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Season the Dish: Sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, rosemary, and cayenne pepper. Stir everything together, ensuring that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
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Simmer the Mixture: Let the mixture simmer over medium heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The flavors will meld together, and the liquid will reduce slightly, thickening the sauce.
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Add the Spinach: Gradually add the fresh spinach, one cup at a time, stirring after each addition. The spinach will wilt down significantly as it cooks, so be patient and keep adding more as space becomes available in the skillet.
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Top with Cheese: Once all the spinach has been added and wilted, cover the entire mixture with shredded mozzarella cheese. The cheese will melt beautifully as it broils, creating a golden, bubbly crust.
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Broil the Dish: Place the skillet under the broiler for about 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the cheese has melted to perfection, remove the skillet from the oven. Let it cool for a couple of minutes before serving. This dish is best enjoyed hot, paired with a crisp salad or some crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
Recipe Tips
- Serving Suggestions: While the recipe is designed as a side, it makes for a satisfying main dish, especially when paired with a side of quinoa or rice. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with grilled chicken or fish.
- Double the Recipe: While my mother-in-law suggests that doubling the recipe may not always yield the best results, you can experiment by making two smaller batches instead of one large one. This ensures that the flavors develop more evenly.
- Substitutions: If you don’t have black beans on hand, feel free to substitute with kidney beans or chickpeas. Similarly, you can use other types of cheese, like cheddar or gouda, for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Option: This dish is vegetarian-friendly, but for a vegan version, simply replace the mozzarella with a plant-based cheese alternative.
Final Thoughts
Spinach and Beans Au Gratin is a quick, flavorful, and nutritious dish that’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or as a satisfying side to a larger meal. Its ease of preparation and simple ingredients make it an ideal choice for anyone looking for an inexpensive yet hearty meal that doesn’t compromise on taste. With its tender spinach, creamy beans, and golden mozzarella topping, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your household, just as it did in ours.
If you give this recipe a try, be sure to let us know how it turned out! Leave a review below or share your own spin on this dish.
