Savory Matzo Brei with Creamy Spinach and Crispy Onions
Inspired by traditional Jewish cuisine, this delightful twist on Matzo Brei combines the comforting flavors of creamed spinach with the delicious crunch of crispy onions. Originating from the culinary explorations of Sara Moulton, this dish marries the rich texture of eggs and matzo with the savory notes of Boursin cheese (or onion-chive cream cheese for an extra kick). Perfect for breakfast or brunch, it's a crowd-pleaser that can easily be adapted with your favorite additions, such as mushrooms for an earthy touch. Serve it warm, and indulge in the satisfying mixture of creamy and crispy elements that will leave you returning for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (For sautéing onions.)
Onions
2 medium (Thinly sliced (about 2 cups).)
Kosher salt
To taste (For seasoning.)
Black pepper
To taste (Freshly ground, for seasoning.)
Frozen chopped spinach
2 (10 ounce) packages (Thawed and squeezed to remove moisture.)
Matzos
3 whole (Broken into pieces.)
Large eggs
6 (Lightly beaten.)
Unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (For cooking.)
Cream cheese or onion-chive cream cheese
2/3 cup (For mixing into the dish.)
Instructions
1
In a medium skillet, heat the vegetable oil over high heat until shimmering.
2
Lower the heat to medium, add the thinly sliced onions, and sauté, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown, approximately 8-10 minutes.
3
Season the onions with salt and black pepper to taste, then use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a separate bowl and set aside.
4
In the same skillet, without cleaning it, squeeze the thawed spinach to remove excess moisture a handful at a time, and set it aside once drained.
5
Break the matzos into large pieces and soak them in a bowl of cold water for 1-3 minutes, being careful not to let them get overly soggy.
6
Drain the matzos well, then combine them with the lightly beaten eggs, 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper in a mixing bowl.
7
Return the skillet with the reserved oil to the stovetop, adding 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, and heat over medium-high until hot.
8
Pour in the matzo and egg mixture, cooking while stirring constantly until the eggs are scrambled and the matzo has started to crisp up, about 5 minutes.
9
Gently fold in the drained spinach and cream cheese until heated through and well combined.
10
Plate the Matzo Brei and top each serving with a generous mound of crispy onions for added flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Matzo Brei with Creamy Spinach and Crispy Onions?
It is a savory twist on traditional Jewish Matzo Brei that incorporates creamed spinach, cream cheese, and a topping of golden crispy onions.
Who inspired this specific Matzo Brei recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the culinary explorations of Sara Moulton.
What type of cheese is recommended for this dish?
The recipe suggests using Boursin cheese or onion-chive cream cheese for an extra flavor kick.
How long should I soak the matzo pieces?
Soak the broken matzo pieces in a bowl of cold water for 1 to 3 minutes, ensuring they do not become overly soggy.
How do I prepare the onions for the topping?
Thinly slice 2 medium onions and sauté them in vegetable oil over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until they are golden brown.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
You will need 6 large eggs, which should be lightly beaten before mixing with the matzo.
What is the best way to prepare the frozen spinach?
The spinach should be thawed and then squeezed a handful at a time to remove all excess moisture before adding it to the dish.
How much spinach is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for two 10-ounce packages of frozen chopped spinach.
Can I add other ingredients to this Matzo Brei?
Yes, it is highly adaptable; for example, you can add mushrooms for an earthy flavor touch.
How long does it take to cook the matzo and egg mixture?
The mixture should be cooked for about 5 minutes while stirring constantly until the eggs are scrambled and the matzo begins to crisp.
What type of butter is used for cooking?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
When should I add the cream cheese and spinach?
Gently fold in the drained spinach and cream cheese after the eggs are scrambled and the matzo has started to crisp up.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian dish as it contains eggs, matzo, cheese, and vegetables.
How should I serve the Matzo Brei?
Plate the Matzo Brei warm and top each serving with a generous mound of the reserved crispy onions.
What kind of oil should I use for sautéing?
Use 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil for sautéing the onions.
How much matzo is needed?
The recipe requires 3 whole matzos, broken into large pieces.
What salt and pepper measurements are used for the egg mixture?
Combine the matzo and eggs with 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
Should I clean the skillet after browning the onions?
No, you should use the same skillet with the reserved oil to cook the matzo and egg mixture for extra flavor.
What is the primary meal category for this dish?
It is primarily categorized as a breakfast or brunch dish.
How do I remove the onions from the pan without taking the oil?
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the onions to a separate bowl, leaving the oil in the skillet.
How many onions do I need to slice?
You need 2 medium onions, which equals about 2 cups when thinly sliced.
What is the texture of the final dish?
The dish features a satisfying mixture of creamy textures from the cheese and eggs with crispy elements from the onions and fried matzo.
How much cream cheese should be added?
You should use 2/3 cup of cream cheese or onion-chive cream cheese.
At what heat should the oil be heated initially?
Heat the vegetable oil over high heat until it is shimmering before adding the onions.
When do I season the onions?
Season the onions with salt and black pepper after they have finished sautéing and are golden brown.
How do I handle the matzo after soaking?
Drain the matzos well after soaking before combining them with the beaten eggs.
What temperature should the skillet be when adding butter?
Heat the skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is hot before pouring in the matzo mixture.
Can I use freshly ground black pepper?
Yes, the recipe specifies using freshly ground black pepper for seasoning.
Is this a traditional recipe?
It is a modern twist on traditional Jewish Matzo Brei, which is typically a simpler dish of matzo and eggs.
How can I ensure the spinach is well combined?
Gently fold the spinach and cream cheese into the scrambled mixture until it is heated through and well incorporated.