Spinach Noodle Casserole (Lacto Ovo) |
|
 |
Prep Time: 20 Minutes Cook Time: 20 Minutes |
Ready In: 40 Minutes Servings: 4 |
|
This is a dish that hearkens back to 1980s vegetarianism, when I started making it. From the 1983 Nikki & David Goldbeck's American Wholefoods Cuisine. It is basically Spinach au gratin, with the addition of cottage cheese and noodles. It is unlike most recipes I've found that call themselves Spinach Noodle Casserole because it lacks the white sauce (Béchamel sauce) used in most American casseroles to bind everything together. The recipes that are most similar end up being Ukrainian. It is very simple, with nice contrasts between the flavors and a wonderful buttery crumb topping. Unfortunately, I have been unable to locate gluten-free flat egg noodles. Macaroni or rotelle or shells work, but are not as good as the egg noodles were. Next time I may try the fat Thai rice noodles to see if they are any better. Ingredients:
1 (8 ounce) box gluten free pasta (or half bag of egg noodles if not worrying about gluten) |
salt |
1 large red onion, chopped |
2 tablespoons olive oil |
1/2 teaspoon salt |
1 1/2 lbs fresh spinach, coarsely chopped or 1 (10 ounce) bag frozen spinach, thawed and drained |
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded |
1 cup cottage cheese |
1 tablespoon black pepper |
1/4 teaspoon salt |
1/2 cup gluten free breadcrumbs (the superfine hol-grain, brown rice breadcrumbs work well here) |
2 tablespoons butter, melted |
1/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded |
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350. Cook pasta in boiling salted water until barely tender.
2. Heat oil in large skillet and saute onion until limp, 3 to 5 minutes. Add spinach. If using fresh spinach, cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 10 minutes until cooked down. Season with salt.
3. Drain pasta and mix with salt, pepper, cottage cheese and grated cheese.
4. In a greased, shallow baking dish (I use a glass 13x9 pan), layer half the pasta mixture, half the spinach, the remaining pasta, and top with the remaining spinach.
5. Combine topping ingredients and sprinkle on top. Bake 20 minutes until top is golden.
|
|