These elegant Spinach Timbales are a delightful vegetarian dish that balances the earthiness of fresh spinach with the richness of a classic béchamel sauce. The secret to their impressive height and texture lies in the folded-in egg whites, which create a cloud-like interior that contrasts beautifully with the savory custard base. Nutmeg and caramelized onions add depth and warmth, making this recipe perfect for a sophisticated brunch, a light dinner, or a refined side dish. The individual portions bake quickly in the oven, resulting in golden-brown tops that are slightly crisp while the inside remains tender and moist. ItâÂÂs a simple yet sophisticated way to elevate leafy greens.
Spinach Timbales
Description
These elegant Spinach Timbales are a delightful vegetarian dish that balances the earthiness of fresh spinach with the richness of a classic béchamel sauce. The secret to their impressive height and texture lies in the folded-in egg whites, which create a cloud-like interior that contrasts beautifully with the savory custard base. Nutmeg and caramelized onions add depth and warmth, making this recipe perfect for a sophisticated brunch, a light dinner, or a refined side dish. The individual portions bake quickly in the oven, resulting in golden-brown tops that are slightly crisp while the inside remains tender and moist. ItâÂÂs a simple yet sophisticated way to elevate leafy greens.Ingredients
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350ðF (175ðC).
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Spray four 6-ounce custard cups or ramekins with nonstick cooking spray.
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Dust the inside of the cups evenly with 1/2 teaspoon of the flour, tapping out any excess. Set aside.
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In a medium nonstick saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter substitute.
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Add the minced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until tender and translucent.
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Whisk in the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour to the onions and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
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Gradually whisk in the evaporated skim milk, continuing to whisk constantly until the mixture thickens into a smooth sauce, about 3 minutes.
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In a small bowl, beat the egg yolks. Stir about 2 tablespoons of the hot milk mixture into the yolks to temper them.
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Return the yolk mixture to the saucepan and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.
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Stir in the spinach and nutmeg. Scrape the mixture into a large bowl, cover, and let cool slightly.
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In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form.
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Stir one-quarter of the beaten egg whites into the spinach mixture to lighten it.
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Gently fold in the remaining egg whites until no white streaks remain, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
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Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared custard cups.
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Smooth the tops and place the cups on a baking sheet.
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Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the centers are set.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 185.6kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 9.2g15%
- Saturated Fat 3.6g18%
- Cholesterol 194.6mg65%
- Sodium 179.2mg8%
- Total Carbohydrate 15.7g6%
- Dietary Fiber 3.0g12%
- Sugars 3.8g
- Protein 11.7g24%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.