Decadent Pernod Spinach Bake with Crispy Topping
Experience a rich and indulgent twist on traditional creamed spinach with this Decadent Pernod Spinach Bake. Bursting with flavors, this dish features tender spinach melded with sautéed mushrooms, smoky bacon, and a creamy Pernod-infused sauce, all topped with a golden breadcrumb finish and garnished with hard-boiled eggs. Perfect as a gourmet side dish or a stand-alone vegetarian delight, this casserole is sure to impress your guests and elevate any meal. The hint of anise from the Pernod adds depth and sophistication, making this casserole a memorable centerpiece for your dining table.
8
Servings
250
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh spinach
3 lbs (washed, cooked, drained, and chopped)
chicken stock
3 cups (boiled)
bacon
6 slices (crumbled)
butter
4 tablespoons (melted)
onion
1/2 cup (finely minced)
celery
1/2 cup (finely minced)
garlic
2 cloves (minced)
mushrooms
8 ounces (sliced)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
sour cream
1/2 cup
Pernod
1 ounce
salt
1/4 teaspoon
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Tabasco sauce
1/4 teaspoon
sugar
1/2 teaspoon
seasoned dry bread crumb
(for topping)
hard-boiled eggs
2 (sliced)
paprika
(for dusting)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring the chicken stock to a boil. Add the fresh spinach and cook until just wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Drain well, pressing out as much liquid as possible, and chop finely.
2
In a heavy skillet over medium heat, cook the crumbled bacon until crispy. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Discard excess fat but retain about 2 tablespoons in the skillet.
3
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced onion, celery, and garlic; sauté until soft and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and continue to cook until they release their moisture and are tender, about 5 more minutes.
4
Stir in the chopped spinach, followed by the crumbled bacon, lemon juice, sour cream, Pernod, salt, pepper, Tabasco sauce, and sugar. Mix well until fully combined and heated through.
5
Transfer the spinach mixture to a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Top generously with seasoned breadcrumbs and arrange the sliced hard-boiled eggs on top. Dust lightly with paprika for color.
6
Place the casserole under the broiler for about 3-5 minutes or until the breadcrumbs are golden and crispy. Keep a close watch to avoid burning. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
18.75g
Fat
10g
Carbs
8.75g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Pernod Spinach Bake with Crispy Topping?
It is a rich twist on creamed spinach featuring mushrooms, bacon, and a Pernod-infused sauce topped with breadcrumbs and eggs.
What flavor does Pernod add to this dish?
Pernod adds a sophisticated hint of anise and depth to the spinach casserole.
Can this spinach bake be made vegetarian?
Yes, you can make it vegetarian by omitting the bacon and substituting the chicken stock with vegetable stock.
How many people does this recipe serve?
The recipe is designed to provide 8 servings.
What are the main vegetables used?
The primary vegetables are 3 lbs of fresh spinach, 8 ounces of mushrooms, onion, and celery.
How is the fresh spinach prepared?
The spinach is boiled in chicken stock for 2-3 minutes, drained well, and finely chopped.
Why is it important to press the liquid out of the spinach?
Pressing out the liquid ensures the casserole has a creamy consistency rather than being watery.
How should the bacon be cooked?
The bacon should be cooked in a skillet until crispy and then crumbled before being added to the mixture.
What do I do with the leftover bacon fat?
Discard most of it but retain about 2 tablespoons in the skillet to sauté the aromatics and mushrooms.
Which aromatics are used in the sauté?
The recipe calls for finely minced onion, celery, and garlic.
How long should the mushrooms be cooked?
Sauté the mushrooms for about 5 minutes until they are tender and have released their moisture.
What provides the creamy texture to the sauce?
Sour cream and butter are used to create the creamy base for the dish.
Is there any lemon in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
How much salt and pepper is required?
The dish requires 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Does this recipe have a spicy kick?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of Tabasco sauce is added for a mild heat.
Why is sugar included in the ingredients?
A small amount (1/2 teaspoon) of sugar is used to balance the savory and acidic flavors of the dish.
How is the top of the casserole prepared?
It is covered with seasoned breadcrumbs and arranged with sliced hard-boiled eggs.
What kind of breadcrumbs are best for the topping?
The recipe specifies using seasoned dry bread crumbs for the crispy topping.
What is the final step in cooking the casserole?
The casserole is placed under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes until the topping is golden and crispy.
What role do hard-boiled eggs play in this dish?
The sliced hard-boiled eggs serve as a traditional garnish and protein-rich topping.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 250 calories.
What is the total fat content per serving?
There are 18.75 grams of fat in each serving.
How much protein does this spinach bake provide?
Each serving provides 8.75 grams of protein.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
The dish contains 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this recipe contain dietary fiber?
Yes, there are 2.5 grams of fiber per serving.
Can I substitute the Pernod if I don't have it?
You can substitute Pernod with another anise-flavored liqueur or a small amount of anise extract.
What garnish is used to add color to the top?
A light dusting of paprika is used to add color to the eggs and breadcrumbs.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, but you must thaw it completely and squeeze out all excess water to match the fresh spinach texture.
Is the chicken stock used for the sauce?
The chicken stock is primarily used to boil and flavor the spinach before it is drained and chopped.
What makes this dish suitable for guests?
The combination of gourmet ingredients like Pernod and mushrooms makes it an impressive and sophisticated side dish.