Strata

Prep 30 mins plus overnight, cook time 1 hr.

Ingredients

• 300g frozen spinach (or fresh equivalent)
• 1 finely chopped onion
• 3tbsp butter
• ½tsp salt
• ½tsp black pepper
• ½tsp ground nutmeg
• 700g cubed bread
• 3 handfuls of cheese – strong Cheddar mixed with Parmesan  is recommended
• 600ml milk
• 9 large eggs
• 2tbsp mustard (Dijon is best)

Method

Squeeze handfuls of spinach to remove as much liquid as possible if using frozen, then finely chop. Fry onion in butter until soft. Add ¼tsp salt, ¼tsp pepper, and nutmeg and cook for 1 minute. Stir in spinach, then remove from heat. Spread one third of bread cubes in a buttered shallow baking dish and top evenly with one third of spinach mixture. Sprinkle with one third of the cheese. Repeat layering twice, ending with cheese. Whisk together milk, eggs, mustard, and remaining ¼tsp salt and ¼tsp pepper in a large bowl and pour evenly over Strata. Cover and chill for at least 8 hours.

Preheat oven to 180°C. Let Strata stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Bake strata, uncovered, in middle of oven until puffed, golden brown, and cooked through, 45 to 55 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.