Spinach-Gruyere Souffle

Nothing showcases the culinary power of eggs quite like a souffle. The yolks bind and enrich the base, while the beaten whites leaven the souffle for its characteristic light, airy texture. This is a classic spring version, but you could add mushrooms, substitute different vegetables for the spinach, or swap the Gruyere cheese for a different variety. The souffle begins to deflate as soon as it comes out of the oven, so serve it immediately with a “Bon Appetit!” in your best Julia Child imitation. For a light supper, pair it with a green salad dressed in Mustard-Shallot Vinaigrette and a glass of dry white wine.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons canola oil, plus 1/2 teaspoon, divided
  • 2 tablespoons dry breadcrumbs
  • 1 bunch fresh spinach (13 ounces), washed and tough stems removed (or 1 recipe of Garlicky Sauteed Spinach)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 cup low-fat milk
  • 3 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour
  • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 5 large eggs, separated (yolk and white)
  • 3/4 cup Gruyere cheese (3 ounces), shredded

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425°F. Position rack on lowest level in oven.
  • Oil a 1.5-quart soufflé dish with 1/2 teaspoon oil. Dust sides and bottom with breadcrumbs, and chill.
  • To prepare the base, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add spinach, with water clinging to it from washing, in batches. Sauté 2 minutes, or until wilted. Dry spinach thoroughly in a clean kitchen towel, squeezing out any excess moisture. Chop finely.
  • Heat milk in small saucepan over medium heat to 180°F (until tiny bubbles form around edge). Do not boil.
  • Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic, and cook 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Add flour, and cook 2 minutes, or until flour loses its raw taste, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, and whisk in warm milk. Whisk constantly over medium heat for 1 minute, or until very thick, then whisk in salt and nutmeg. Whisk in egg yolks, one at a time. Stir in spinach. Scrape yolk mixture into a large bowl. (At this point, you can cool the base to room temperature, and refrigerate overnight. Then let it come to room temperature, and complete the recipe.)
  • Using electric beaters, beat egg whites until stiff, satiny peaks form. Do not overbeat. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold one-fourth of whites into yolk mixture. Repeat with remaining whites, sprinkling in a handful of cheese at a time. Gently scrape mixture into prepared dish.
  • Place dish in oven, and reduce heat to 375°F. Bake 35 minutes, or until puffy and lightly browned.
Servings: 4
Make-Ahead Tip: Prep the souffle dish and make the base a day ahead, and refrigerate.
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Picture of Hey there ... I'm Lia Huber

Hey there ... I'm Lia Huber

My mission is to inspire and equip you to live a richer life through real food by becoming a more competent, confident home cook.


I’m the author of Nourished: A Memoir of Food, Faith, and Enduring Love, founder and CEO of Nourish Evolution, and the creator of Cook the Seasons, Home Cooking School, and the Real Food Reset, and I empower intentional women to cook in a way that brings them (and their families) joy, health, and ease.

Making the shift from processed food to real food doesn’t happen overnight. It’s an evolution that occurs over time, with effort, intention, and belief. And it will change the course of your life. Are you ready to take the first step? I’m so glad you’re here … and I’m honored to be with you on the journey to becoming nourished!

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