Lunch: Butternut Squash Gratin with Creamed Spinach

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Spinach

Health benefits of Butternut Squash Gratin with Creamed Spinach

Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green vegetable that is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, magnesium, and antioxidants. The high iron content in spinach helps combat anemia, which is common in women with PCOS. Magnesium helps reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity. The antioxidants in spinach can help lower oxidative stress, which is beneficial for managing PCOS symptoms. Including spinach in your diet can support overall health and well-being.

Ingredients

Two 2-pound butternut squash, necks only, peeled and each cut crosswise into sixteen 1/4-inch-thick rounds
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper
One 10-ounce bag cleaned spinach, stemmed and rinsed
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
2 tablespoons crème fraiche
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425 °. Arrange the squash rounds on 2 rimmed baking sheets and brush with the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and bake for 20 minutes, or until barely tender. Increase the oven temperature to 475 °.
Meanwhile, set a medium saucepan over moderately high heat. Add the spinach, 1 handful at a time, and cook, stirring frequently, until wilted. Drain the spinach, squeeze dry and coarsely chop.
In the same saucepan, bring the heavy cream to a boil, then simmer over low heat until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes. Add the spinach and simmer, stirring occasionally, until creamy, but not runny. Season with salt and pepper, transfer to a plate and let cool.
Lightly oil a large, shallow baking dish. In a small bowl, stir the crème fraèche into the Parmesan. Spread the Parmesan cream on 8 squash rounds. Arrange 8 of the remaining rounds in the baking dish. Spoon a scant tablespoon of the creamed spinach over each round. Repeat this layering 2 more times and top with the rounds spread with Parmesan cream.
Cover the gratins with foil and bake until heated through, about 10 minutes. Preheat the broiler. Uncover and broil the gratins for 2 minutes, or until browned. Transfer to plates and serve.

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