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–+ servings
Elsie's German Spinach
Elsie’s German Spinach is a classic comfort dish combining hearty bread, creamy spinach, and savory seasonings, typical of rustic European cooking. This mid-century handwritten recipe blends sautéed onions, soaked bread, and seasoned spinach into a satisfying casserole-like dish. Perfect as a main course or side, it embodies practical home cooking rooted in tradition, flavor, and resourcefulness, making use of stale bread and pantry staples. The dish finishes with a light gravy and egg garnish, giving it extra richness.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine German
Servings 6
Calories 170 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ lbs spinach
  • 1 onion (medium, chopped)
  • 1 tbsp butter ( or oil)
  • 6 slices stale bread
  • water (for soaking bread)
  • 2 eggs (hard-boiled and chopped)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ¼ cup beef (optional, for gravy, or vegetable stock)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Spinach

  • Wash spinach thoroughly. Cook in boiling water until wilted, about 3–5 minutes. Drain well and chop finely.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

  • In a skillet, sauté chopped onion in butter or oil until soft and translucent.

Step 3: Soak Bread

  • Tear stale bread into pieces and soak in water for a few minutes. Squeeze out excess water.

Step 4: Mix Ingredients

  • In a large bowl, combine cooked spinach, sautéed onion, squeezed bread, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix thoroughly.

Step 5: Add Garnish

  • Stir in chopped hard-boiled eggs. Optionally add stock if the mixture seems dry.

Step 6: Heat Through

  • Transfer to a buttered baking dish or cook gently on stovetop until warmed through and lightly crisped on edges.

Tips

  • Use baby spinach for a more tender salad
  • Red onion can replace yellow onion for sharper flavor
  • Add sliced mushrooms for extra texture
  • Serve immediately while dressing is warm for best flavor
  • Reduce sugar slightly if you prefer a more tangy dressing
  • Add hard-boiled egg slices for extra protein
  • Substitute turkey bacon if desired
  • Pair with roasted potatoes or sausages for a full meal
  • Do not overheat dressing once eggs are added to avoid curdling

Nutrition

Calories: 170kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 7gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 340mgPotassium: 470mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 5800IUVitamin C: 19mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 2.4mg
Keyword bacon vinaigrette, classic salad, comfort food, family recipe, spinach salad, vintage recipe, warm dressing
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