Spinach and Feta Clafouti for Meatless Mondays

Spinach and feta Clafouti

Clafoutis are a French take on baked egg custard which has changed little since its creation in 19th-century France. My favourite sweet clafoutis are made with black cherries marinated in kirsch. Traditionally the cherries are left unpitted, so that the pits will impart a slightly almond flavour that takes the clafoutis to a whole new level of flavour. Additionally, traditionalists warn that if pitted, the cherry juice will make the cake soggy. Other soft fruits work well such as raspberries, blueberries or apricots.

With trying to avoid sweets (as much as humanly possible) you may have noticed my clafouti craze lately. What can be done with fruit can also be done with vegetables. Christophe Felder, a well renowned French pastry chef, describes some 80 variations on clafoutis both sweet and savoury...clafoutis with bilberries and fennel-flower, clafoutis with wild strawberries, clafoutis with broccoli and Gruyere are all in his book Les Clafoutis de Christophe. I'd have to say that the savoury clafouti is my latest foodie experiment!!!!

 After a disappointing and wet Spring I do believe Summer has finally shone on the Okanagan. Black storm clouds, driving rain and the gargantuan gales of the last two weeks have suddenly given way to blue streaked white sky. Break out the sun screen!!!!Not only do I feel my spirits rise with renewed belief that summer will definitely return again, but I have proof of it as I sit on my sundappled patio. I am of course heading out soon with my book and beach chair in tow.

 We have been enjoying the luxuries of Spring like furled fiddleheads and earthy morels but let's not forget the every day tender, buttery lettuces and greens popping up in our neighbours’ and friends' gardens. Last weekend I was walking our local farmer's market when I came across some tender, baby spinach. When I made Rose Murray's Roasted Tomato Clafouti I remember saying, " Just the idea of a savoury clafouti makes my toes tingle. I can see a combination of feta and other Greek cheeses and chopped baby spinach in my future." Well the future is now!!!!

As with the tomato clafouti I added some shredded mozzarella for the slightly firmer texture I love as well as some Greek-inspired flavours of goat cheese feta and grated Kefalotyri as a finishing touch. If you prefer your clafoutis eggier by all means forget the mozzarella or use fresh bocconcini. There is nothing quite like a savoury clafoutis to rescue me on busy weeknights. What could possibly be easier than sautéing some vegetables and beating some eggs with a little flour, milk and cheese? I have been enjoying the experimentation!!!

What combination do you see in your future?

Be part of the solution with Meatless Mondays.

**Spinach and Feta Clafoutis**

• 2 tablespoons (25 mL) olive oil
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 2 spring onions, chopped
• 1 (10 ounce/300 g) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained - or 1 pound fresh spinach, cleaned and torn in small pieces
• 1 tablespoon (15 mL) chopped fresh dill(or 1 teaspoon/5 mL dried)
• Salt and pepper
• 1 cup (250 mL) light cream
• 3 eggs
• 2 tablespoons (25 mL) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 lb (250 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 2 cups/500 mL)
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• Freshly grated Kefalotyri cheese or Asiago for sprinkling on top (if desired)

1. If using fresh spinach. wash, drain, and trim the spinach. Put in an enameled pan without water, cover, and cook over medium heat until the leaves wilt (this method is called ‘panning’). Stir with a wooden spoon, then cover and simmer gently 15 to 18 minutes until just tender. Remove from the heat and allow to cool. With your hands squeeze the spinach dry. If you use frozen spinach after it is thawed please squeeze the spinach as dry as possible. This step is very important so that your end result will not be soggy. Chop your spinach.

2. In a shallow 6-cup (1.5 L) baking dish add chopped onions and spring onions (scallions), drizzle with the oil; sprinkle with the salt and pepper. Bake for 5-8 minutes or until translucent. Add chopped spinach and dill; stir.

3. In a blender, blend the cream, eggs and flour until smooth; pour over the spinach mixture. Sprinkle with the mozzarella and feta cheeses. Reduce the temperature to 350°F (180°C); bake for about 25 minutes or until puffed and golden. Serve immediately.

Serves 4.

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