If you’re after some substantial comfort food on a budget then this vegetarian bake is just the thing. Add lamb chops for the meat eaters
Prep:15 mins
Serves 4
300ml single cream (or double cream for a really creamy texture)1 garlic clove, peeled2 sprigs thyme or rosemary250g bag frozen spinachfreshly grated nutmegbutter, for greasing850g sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 3mm thick)25g grated hard cheese, such as cheddar, Parmesan or veggie alternative
STEP 1Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Put the cream, garlic and herb sprigs into a small saucepan and slowly bring to just below boiling. Turn off the heat, season and leave to infuse.STEP 2Put the spinach into a colander, pour over a kettle of boiling water and leave to drain for a few mins. Then squeeze out as much water as possible. Season with salt, pepper and freshly grated nutmeg.STEP 3Grease an ovenproof dish generously with butter and spread half the sweet potato slices across the bottom. Top with a layer of spinach, then the remaining potato. Pour over the cream mixture, through a sieve to remove the garlic and herbs, then sprinkle with cheese. Bake for 45-55 mins until golden and tender.STEP 4Meanwhile, if you’re serving the chops, heat a griddle or frying pan and finely chop the leaves from the herb sprig. Rub over the chops with the oil and some seasoning, then griddle or fry for 3-4 mins on each side or until cooked to your liking. Leave bake, and chops if serving, to rest for 5 mins, then serve with a big green salad.
