Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Baked Eggs?
It is a hearty brunch dish featuring sautéed mushrooms, onions, and garlic, enriched with fresh spinach and a silky mustard-infused béchamel sauce, topped with poached eggs and shaved Parmesan.
What ingredients are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires butter, fresh mushrooms, onion, garlic, flour, skim milk, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, fresh spinach, eggs, and shaved Parmesan cheese.
How long should I sauté the mushrooms and onions?
Sauté the sliced mushrooms, chopped onion, and minced garlic for approximately 5 to 7 minutes until they become golden brown.
What type of sauce is used in this dish?
The dish uses a mustard-infused béchamel sauce made by whisking skim milk and Dijon mustard into a roux of butter, flour, and sautéed vegetables.
How many eggs are needed?
This recipe calls for 8 large eggs.
How should the spinach be prepared?
You should use 10 ounces of fresh spinach leaves that have been cooked, chopped, and well-drained before folding them into the sauce.
How long do the eggs take to cook?
Once the eggs are cracked into the mixture and the skillet is covered, they should cook for 6 to 8 minutes on medium-low heat.
What are the recommended side dishes?
Serve the baked eggs with toasted English muffins and fresh fruit for a balanced meal.
What is the purpose of the flour in this recipe?
The flour acts as a thickening agent for the sauce, creating a creamy consistency when combined with the milk.
How do I prevent lumps in the béchamel sauce?
Gradually pour in the skim milk while whisking constantly to ensure a smooth, lump-free mixture.
What type of cheese is used as a topping?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of shaved Parmesan cheese to be sprinkled over the dish while hot.
What kind of mustard should I use?
The recipe specifies using 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard.
How long should the flour be cooked?
Cook the flour with the vegetable mixture for one additional minute to remove the raw flour taste before adding milk.
What heat setting is used for the vegetables?
The vegetables should be sautéed over medium heat.
What is the desired texture of the egg yolks?
The egg yolks should remain slightly runny while the egg whites become fully set.
How do I prepare the garlic?
You should use 2 garlic cloves that have been finely chopped.
How many mushrooms are needed?
The recipe requires 4 ounces of fresh sliced mushrooms.
Is this recipe suitable for brunch?
Yes, it is specifically designed to elevate the brunch experience and is tagged as a brunch and breakfast dish.
How do I place the eggs in the skillet?
Use the back of a large spoon to make 8 small indentations in the spinach mixture and carefully crack an egg into each one.
What heat setting is used to cook the eggs?
The heat should be reduced to medium-low once the eggs are added.
Does the skillet need to be covered?
Yes, cover the skillet while the eggs are cooking to help the whites set properly.
How long does it take for the milk mixture to thicken?
It typically takes approximately 3 to 5 minutes for the mixture to boil and thicken.
What type of skillet is recommended?
A large non-stick skillet is recommended for this recipe.
Can I use frozen spinach?
While the recipe calls for fresh, you can use frozen spinach as long as it is cooked and very well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
What seasonings are added to the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned generously with salt and pepper to taste.
How much butter is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of butter for sautéing and creating the roux.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a comfort food dish.
How much onion is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of chopped onion.
How much milk is required?
The recipe uses 2 cups of skim milk.
When should the Parmesan be added?
Sprinkle the shaved Parmesan cheese over the dish immediately after the eggs are cooked while the dish is still hot.