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Spinach and Mushroom Torte Recipe

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Most cooks have a go-to party dish. For Post reader Julie Jensen of Alexandria, it's a spinach quiche she loves for its rich flavor, but not so much for its fat and calories.

I made her recipe, which is easy to put together. But I tasted cheese and green chilies more than spinach quiche. Jenkins's version calls for 24 ounces of grated cheese, 1/2 cup of butter, 10 eggs and 2 cups of cottage cheese. The nutritional analysis of her recipe, based on 12 servings: 400 calories, 31 grams of fat and 840 milligrams of sodium.

Here, I use mushrooms instead of green pepper; pairing them with spinach is a classic way to go. Out: cheddar and Monterey Jack. In: feta and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheeses, which bring flavor without weighing the dish down. The butter and eggs are reduced.

The dish remains party- and buffet-friendly. With no crust, it's not really a quiche. So I'm calling it a torte.

You might be able to get away with omitting the flour, but it's good insurance against the possibility that the spinach will be watery. The flour also contributes to the firm texture that makes the pie so easy to serve at a party.

I have never had a problem with this kind of food adhering to my ceramic baking dishes, but if you have a dish that has sticking problems, spray it lightly with nonstick spray before filling.

This dish can easily be prepared a day in advance. Reheat uncovered in a 350-degree oven.

From columnist Stephanie Witt Sedgwick.

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Ingredients

measuring cup

Servings: 10-12 

Directions

  • Step 1

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Have a 9-by-13-inch baking dish at hand.

  • Step 2

    Heat the oil and butter in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion; cook for about 3 minutes, until it just starts to soften. Stir in the mushrooms, then season with salt and pepper to taste; cook, stirring and flipping the mushrooms every couple of minutes, for 8 to 10 minutes, until they begin to brown and the moisture they release has evaporated. Transfer to a large plate to cool for a few minutes.

  • Step 3

    Whisk together the eggs, milk and ricotta; while whisking, sprinkle in the flour. Season with the nutmeg and with salt and pepper to taste.

  • Step 4

    Squeeze as much moisture as possible out of the defrosted spinach, then stir the spinach into the ricotta mixture, breaking up any clumps so the spinach is distributed evenly. Add the cooked mushrooms along with the feta and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until well incorporated.

  • Step 5

    Pour the mixture into the baking dish. Place on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, until the torte is firm and just starting to brown around the edges. If it puffs up, don't worry; it will deflate as it cools.

  • Step 6

    Cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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    Nutritional Facts

    Per serving (based on 12)

    • Calories

      200

    • Fat

      12 g

    • Saturated Fat

      6 g

    • Carbohydrates

      9 g

    • Sodium

      360 mg

    • Cholesterol

      170 mg

    • Protein

      14 g

    • Fiber

      2 g

    • Sugar

      2 g

    This analysis is an estimate based on available ingredients and this preparation. It should not substitute for a dietitian’s or nutritionist’s advice.

    From columnist Stephanie Witt Sedgwick.

    Tested by Stephanie Witt Sedgwick.

    Published April 23, 2013

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