Classic French Spinach Soufflé Recipes

CLASSIC FRENCH SPINACH SOUFFLé

Steps:

• Gather the ingredients. Preheat the oven to 375 F.
• Brush the inside of a 4 to 6-cup soufflé or deep casserole dish with 1 1/2 tablespoons of the softened butter , or grease six (5 to 6-ounce) individual ramekins, dividing the butter evenly. Sprinkle the buttered surface evenly with the grated Parmesan cheese. Set aside while you prepare the filling.
• Heat a large saucepan over low heat and add the chopped spinach. Sauté until it wilts and the juices have evaporated; keep a close eye on it as the spinach can burn. Let cool, then squeeze out excess liquid. Set aside.
• In a separate medium saucepan, melt the remaining butter over medium heat and stir in the flour and salt with a wooden spoon. Cook for 30 seconds, mixing constantly, to cook down the flour.
• Add the milk while whisking vigorously and cook for about 4 minutes, until the mixture thickens.
• Add the cooked spinach to the white sauce and continue cooking over medium heat for 1 minute. Season the mixture with black pepper, nutmeg, and more salt if needed.
• Place the egg yolks in a bowl and whisk in 1/2 cup of the hot spinach mixture to temper it.
• Add the egg yolk mixture to the pan, stirring to completely incorporate; remove from the heat. Do not overheat the mixture or you risk it separating; if this happens, unfortunately, there is no way to fix it.
• In a scrupulously clean bowl, beat the egg whites on high speed until stiff peaks form.
• Gently stir 1/3 of the egg whites into the spinach mixture.
• Then fold the remaining egg whites into the mixture.
• Spoon the mixture into the prepared dish(es) and bake for 30 minutes, until the soufflé is puffed up and cooked through. A single souffle may take a few minutes longer.
• Serve immediately and enjoy.

SPINACH SOUFFLE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• Place the spinach in a colander to drain, pressing out as much excess liquid as you can.
• Make the bechamel sauce: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat; add the flour and stir until it becomes a thick paste. Add the milk 1/2 cup at a time, whisking well after each addition, until you have a smooth sauce. Remove from the heat and whisk in the salt, nutmeg and pepper. Taste for seasoning. Set aside to cool slightly.
• Beat the egg whites until just frothy with an electric mixer. Add the cream of tartar and beat on high speed until it forms firm peaks. Set aside.
• Whisk the egg yolks in a large bowl until they are pale yellow, then add the warm bechamel sauce a bit at a time. Switch to a large rubber spatula; gently mix in the spinach, Parmesan and 1/2 cup Romano. Fold in a third of the egg whites to lighten, then gently fold in the remaining egg whites until thoroughly combined but still light and fluffy.
• Lightly grease a 2-quart souffle dish with cooking spray or softened butter, then add the remaining 1/2 cup Romano and rotate the dish to coat the bottom and sides with the cheese. Pour in the souffle batter, then bake until puffy and golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Serve immediately.