Katja Wulfers: Around The Table

Feb
27
2014

Complete Meal in a Flash: Starring Superpower Spinach

A QUICK AND EASY MEAL TO FEED YOUR FAMILY WHEN TIME IS SHORT

This is likely the easiest and least sophisticated meal that I make. Actually, many of my meals are unsophisticated, but that’s not what I’m going for. Like many parents out there, my main concern is to provide nutritious, tasty food with a variety of flavours without spending twelve hours prepping. And most evening we're either coming or going from one arena or another. 

Poached Eggs in a Potato and Cheddar Nest Recipe

There was a time when it was en vogue to have a number of meals ideas on rotation and this one received regular play in our family. My grandmother made it too, so it’s been a family favourite for four generations. During the daily drive to and from school I consulted with my son and niece about what to cook next for Around The Table—because teens know a thing or two about eating—and when I mentioned this idea they both responded with, “I LOVE that!” Based on this scientific survey…that’s what you’re all getting. The beauty of a meal comprised of mashed potatoes, sautéed spinach and sunny side up eggs is that nothing is simpler, it hits on major food groups and nutritional needs, and best of all, it’s quick to prepare.

 

Ingredients:

12 medium-sized Yukon Gold potatoes
¾ cup potato water
½ cup butter
¾ cup milk
1½ teaspoons minced garlic
3-4 tablespoons olive oil
500g chopped frozen spinach (during the growing season, use fresh)
4-8 Eggs
Salt and pepper to taste

 

Directions:

 Peel, cut, and boil the potatoes. Once the potatoes are cooked through, drain the water and set aside ¾ cup of the water.

 Mash the potatoes and pour the saved water back in. Add the butter, milk, and 1 teaspoon of garlic. Stirring until blended. Season with salt and pepper.

 Heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil in a frying pan and sauté the frozen spinach. Season with ½ teaspoon of garlic, salt, and pepper once the spinach is cooked.

 In a separate pan heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and fry the eggs, sunny side up while making sure the yolk stays soft. Season with salt and pepper.

 Serve one scoop of potatoes and top it with spinach and one or two eggs.

Makes enough for 4 with mashed potatoes left over for lunches.

While we’re living through the winter that just won’t quit, a comfort meal is called for. This is one the kids ask for and that I've even served in containers so that we can eat on the go.

Bon appétit!

Want your family eating more spinach? Try a super cheesy spinach lasagna.

spinach, eggs, potatoes, mashed potatoes, easy dinner, quick meal