Casserole with potatoes and spinach

A casserole with potatoes and spinach is a delicious and nutritious dish that's perfect for a comforting meal. The combination of tender potatoes and flavorful spinach, often paired with cheese and a creamy sauce, makes for a satisfying casserole. Here’s a straightforward recipe:

Potato and Spinach Casserole

Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 3 cups fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your choice)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
• 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for topping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook Spinach:

   • If using fresh spinach, sauté it briefly in a skillet with a little olive oil until wilted. Drain any excess moisture. If using frozen spinach, ensure it's thoroughly thawed and drained.

3. Cook Aromatics:

   • Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

4. Prepare Sauce:

   • In a bowl, mix the sour cream or Greek yogurt with the milk or heavy cream until smooth.
   • Stir in the cooked onion and garlic mixture. Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme or rosemary.

5. Assemble Casserole:

   • In a large baking dish, arrange a layer of potato slices on the bottom.
   • Spread half of the cooked spinach over the potatoes.
   • Pour half of the sour cream mixture over the spinach and potatoes.
   • Add another layer of potato slices and spread the remaining spinach on top.
   • Pour the remaining sour cream mixture over the top.
   • Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the casserole.

6. Add Topping (Optional):

   • For a crispy topping, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese.

7. Bake:

   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
   • After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Serve:

   • Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips and Variations:

• Additional Ingredients: You can add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses like Swiss, Gruyère, or mozzarella for varied flavors.
• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sour cream mixture for a bit of heat.
• Healthier Option: Use low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt and reduce the amount of cheese for a lighter version.

This potato and spinach casserole is a versatile and comforting dish that's perfect for a family meal or as a side dish. Enjoy!