Spinach, Mushroom & Ricotta Bake

My cousin Jeslyn, sent me a video clip of a similar Turkish recipe , I added a bit of Italian twist to it by adding herbs,  spices and ricotta to give it an edge... turned out really delicious and was kid friendly. My kids are normally not mushroom fans but love spinach so it was no surprise they wiped their plates clean and asked for more... do try this dish it’s one to add if your looking for comfy food that’s soul satisfying.

Ingredients:

For the filling: 

500g spinach

8-10 chestnut mushrooms sliced

4-5 potatoes

1 tbsp butter

1/4 cup milk (for mash) 

Olive oil

1-2 garlic pods chopped finely 

1 large onion, chopped finely

250g ricotta cheese

Red chilli flakes

Dried mixed herbs

Salt & Pepper for seasoning 

For the sauce:

1/2 cup plain flour

1 cup milk 

1 tbsp butter

1/2 tsp nutmeg 

For the topping

Grated mozzarella and grated cheddar

Method:

1. Boil potatoes, mash adding butter and 1/4 cup milk into a creamy thick mix. This will form the base of the dish. 
2. In a pan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil, add the garlic, once it starts to give an aroma add onions and cook until lightly golden.
3. Mix in the mushrooms, season with salt, pepper and dash of chilli flakes.
4. Once the mushrooms have softened add the spinach leaves and cook until wilted.
5. Stir in the ricotta and season. Take of the gas and cool.
6. In a saucepan, add 1 cup milk and butter . Sift in the flour and stir well so that it’s well combined and no lumps. If it’s too lumpy add a little milk. Add the nutmeg and freshly crushed pepper. Season with salt. Once it’s nicely thickened keep aside.
7. In a Pyrex dish, line it with little butter and then add the mash potato. Ensure it’s evenly spread and no lumps.
8. Too this with the filling and then sprinkle the grated cheeses. 
9. Pre heat oven and then cook this dish for 20 mins (200deg) or until cheese is nice and golden and you can hear the sizzle.
10. Sprinkle some dried parsley on top and serve hot with some garlic bread.. Enjoy! 

Tips:

You can substitute the ricotta with any soft cheese if you like.. something like Philadelphia cheese should work well too.