ingredients
serves 4
1 pound fresh spinach, trimmed, washed and shredded
1 tablespoon polyunsaturated margarine
2 level tablespoons All purpose flour
1/4 pint skimmed milk
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, separated, plus 1 egg white
4 cups cooked lima beans, or haricots
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 level tablespoons low-fat natural yoghurt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 level teaspoon salt
1/4 level teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 pint vegetable stock
Watercress to garnish
method
OVEN: Preheat to 180°C (350°F)
1. Put the spinach in a large saucepan without any water, cover and cook it for 2 minutes over a moderate heat in the juice that runs from it. Take off the lid and continue cooking, stirring often, for about 4 minutes, until the spinach is just tender. Drain off any remaining juice.
2. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over a low heat, stir in the flour and gradually mix in the milk. Bring to the boil, stirring, then simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the Parmesan, the egg yolk and the spinach.
3. Grease a 1 pint ring mould and toss a little flour round in it to coat it; shake out the excess. Whisk the egg whites until they will hold soft peaks and use a metal spoon to fold them gently into the spinach mixture. Pour into the mould and spread evenly. Cook in the heated oven for about 40 minutes, until the spinach ring is well risen and feels firm when pressed lightly with a fingertip.
4. Meanwhile, blend the beans, oil, yoghurt, lemon juice, salt, cayenne pepper and vegetable stock in a food processor until smooth. Pour into a saucepan.
5. When the spinach ring is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, stir the bean sauce over a moderate heat until hot, but do not let it boil. Pour the sauce into a heated serving jug.
6. Run a knife round the inner and outer rim of the spinach ring and turn it out onto a warmed serving plate. Garnish it with the watercress and serve at once, handing round the sauce separately.
more information
The dish is a substantial one, but you may like some whole wheat or herb-flavoured rolls and a tomato salad with it.
