Lunch: Mediterranean Spinach Strata

Fresh tomatoes and spinach pair well with nutty Asiago and tangy feta cheese in this make-ahead dish that's great for lunch, brunch or dinner. Substitute Parmesan, Romano, or sharp provolone cheese for the Asiago, if you prefer. Presliced mushrooms and pa

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Spinach

Health benefits of Mediterranean Spinach Strata

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

2 (8-ounce) loaves French bread baguette, cut into 1-inch-thick slices
Cooking spray
1 cup chopped onion
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 (8-ounce) package presliced mushrooms
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 (7-ounce) bags baby spinach
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
3 cups thinly sliced plum tomato (about 1 pound)
1 (4-ounce) package crumbled feta cheese
3/4 cup (3 ounces) grated Asiago cheese, divided
3 cups fat-free milk
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
5 large eggs, lightly beaten
4 large egg whites, lightly beaten

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 °.
Place bread slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 ° for 12 minutes or until lightly browned.
Heat a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, and mushrooms; sauté 5 minutes or until tender. Sprinkle flour over mushroom mixture; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add 1 bag of spinach; cook 3 minutes or until spinach wilts. Add remaining spinach; cook 3 minutes or until spinach wilts. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
Place half of bread slices in bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Spread spinach mixture over bread. Top with tomato slices; sprinkle evenly with feta and half of Asiago cheese. Arrange remaining bread slices over cheese. Combine 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, milk, and remaining ingredients, stirring well with a whisk. Pour over bread; sprinkle with remaining Asiago cheese. Cover and chill 8 hours or overnight.
Preheat oven to 350 °.
Uncover strata; bake at 350 ° for 40 minutes or until lightly browned and set. Serve warm.

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