Spinach Corn Au Gratin Recipe
A Delightful Vegetarian One-Pot Dish with a French Touch
The Spinach Corn Au Gratin is a deliciously indulgent vegetarian recipe that combines the richness of creamy béchamel sauce with the fresh flavors of spinach and sweet corn. A classic French dish, “au gratin” refers to a dish baked with a golden, crispy cheese topping that brings out the flavors in the most delightful way. Whether you’re looking to serve it as a comforting side dish or a hearty vegetarian main, this recipe is sure to impress with its creamy texture and crispy, cheesy crust.
Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish comes together effortlessly, requiring minimal preparation and cook time. The spinach and corn pair wonderfully with the béchamel sauce, and the mozzarella cheese adds the perfect finishing touch. Let’s dive into the steps to create this delightful French-inspired recipe!
Recipe Overview:
- Cuisine: French
- Course: One-Pot Dish
- Diet: Vegetarian
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| For the Béchamel Sauce | |
| Butter (Salted) | 2 tablespoons |
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 2 tablespoons |
| Britannia Cheese Spread – Asli Pepper | 1/4 cup |
| Dried Oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Milk | 2 cups |
| Salt | To taste |
| For the Veggies | |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic (Finely Chopped) | 4 cloves |
| Spinach Leaves (Palak), finely chopped | 350 grams |
| Sweet Corn (Steamed) | 1 cup |
| Black Pepper Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Other Ingredients | |
| Mozzarella Cheese (Grated) | 1/2 cup |
Instructions:
Step 1: Par-Cooking the Spinach
To begin, heat 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil in a pan. Once the oil is hot, add 4 cloves of finely chopped garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Next, add the 350 grams of finely chopped spinach leaves (palak) to the pan. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of black pepper powder and stir the spinach gently. Allow the spinach to wilt, which should take about 1 minute. Once wilted, turn off the heat and mix in 1 cup of steamed sweet corn. Set the spinach-corn mixture aside.
Step 2: Preparing the Béchamel Sauce
In a saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of salted butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour (maida) and sauté the mixture for 40-50 seconds, ensuring it doesn’t brown. When the flour is well incorporated with the butter, gradually pour in 2 cups of milk while continuously whisking to avoid lumps. Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and a pinch of salt to taste.
Continue whisking the sauce until it thickens, which should take around 5-7 minutes on medium-low heat. Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, stir in 1/4 cup of Britannia Cheese Spread – Asli Pepper. Keep stirring until the cheese has melted completely and combined well with the béchamel sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if necessary.
Step 3: Combining the Veggies and Béchamel Sauce
Stir the cooked spinach and sweet corn mixture into the prepared béchamel sauce. Ensure that the veggies are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
Step 4: Baking the Au Gratin
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Transfer the spinach-corn mixture into a rectangular or square baking dish. Spread it out evenly, then sprinkle 1/2 cup of grated mozzarella cheese on top of the mixture.
Switch the oven to broil mode (grill mode), ensuring that the top grill is activated. Place the dish in the oven and broil for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and turned a light golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Step 5: Serving
Once the Spinach Corn Au Gratin is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes. This will help the cheese settle and enhance the flavors.
Serve your Spinach Corn Au Gratin warm, accompanied by herbed dinner rolls for a light and delicious dinner. This dish is perfect as a side or even as a main dish for a satisfying vegetarian meal.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Cholesterol | 30 mg |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and preparation variations.)
Tips for the Perfect Spinach Corn Au Gratin:
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese for a unique flavor. Adding Parmesan or Cheddar can give a sharper taste to the gratin.
- Fresh Spinach: If you’re using fresh spinach instead of frozen, be sure to thoroughly wash and dry it before cooking to remove any grit.
- Adding Protein: For a more filling meal, you can add cooked chicken, tofu, or even paneer to the gratin.
- Spice it Up: If you prefer a bit of heat, add some red chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the béchamel sauce.
This Spinach Corn Au Gratin recipe is a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and flavorful goodness that everyone will enjoy. Its rich textures and savory notes make it a must-try dish for any occasion!
