Elevate your dinner table with this rich and flavorful minced meat and spinach gratin, layered with a velvety mushroom sauce. This dish is the ultimate comfort food, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors—from savory minced meat to fresh spinach and the earthy goodness of mushrooms. Perfect for family gatherings or an indulgent dinner, this gratin is not only delicious but also fun to prepare. With a harmonious blend of ingredients like walnuts, pickles, and a hint of honey, every bite is an experience.
Ingredients:
For the Gratin:
- 1 kg minced meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
- 2 eggs
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 200g spinach, washed and chopped
- 200g grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 3-4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 pickles, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 50g walnuts, chopped
- Olive oil for cooking
For the Mushroom Sauce:
- 200g mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream or milk (for a lighter option)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A small bunch of fresh parsley for decoration
Instructions:
- Prepare the minced meat mixture: In a large bowl, combine the minced meat with the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, eggs, paprika, soy sauce, tomato paste, mustard, and honey. Mix everything thoroughly until well incorporated. Set aside.
- Cook the spinach: In a pan, heat a small amount of olive oil and add the chopped spinach. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until it wilts. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the gratin base: In a greased baking dish, spread the minced meat mixture evenly across the bottom, pressing it down to form the first layer. Sprinkle the cooked spinach over the meat layer.
- Add the toppings: Sprinkle the diced tomatoes, chopped pickles, and walnuts evenly on top of the spinach layer. These add extra crunch and tang to the dish. Top everything with the grated cheese, covering the entire surface.
- Bake the gratin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the gratin in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly, and the meat is fully cooked through.
- Prepare the mushroom sauce: While the gratin is baking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until they soften and release their moisture, about 5 minutes. Incorporate the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, or until it becomes aromatic. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Simmer the sauce for about 5-7 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
- Serve: Once the gratin is baked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve generous slices of the gratin with a drizzle of creamy mushroom sauce on top.
Conclusion:
This savory minced meat and spinach gratin is a true celebration of comforting flavors and textures. The tender, flavorful minced meat pairs beautifully with the freshness of the spinach and the richness of the cheese, while the creamy mushroom sauce adds a luxurious finishing touch. With its delightful combination of earthy, tangy, and savory notes, this gratin is sure to impress at any meal, leaving everyone eager for seconds!