
Budget Semolina, Spinach and Onion Bake with Cheese Crust
An affordable, original, and comforting recipe made with cooked semolina, sautéed onion, spinach, and a golden cheese topping. It bakes until firm inside and crisp on top, perfect for a simple and filling meal.
Ingredients
- 120 g wheat semolina (of grano medio)
- 500 ml water (for cocinar the sémola)
- 180 g onion (chopped fina)
- 150 g spinach (chopped)
- 2 units garlic (chopped)
- 2 units egg (batidos)
- 80 g grated cheese (tipo mozzarella or queso semicurado)
- 15 ml vegetable oil (more a poco for engrasar)
- 5 g salt (or to taste)
- 1 g black pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 g sweet paprika (for dar color and sabor)
Nutrition facts
per serving
Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
Allergens
Instructions
- 1
1. Preheat the oven to 200 °C / 400 °F and lightly grease a small baking dish or an oven-safe skillet.
- 2
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes, until softened.
- 3
3. Stir in the chopped garlic, spinach, salt, black pepper, and sweet paprika. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring, until the spinach wilts and reduces in volume. Remove from the heat.
- 4
4. In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Gradually pour in the wheat semolina while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook over low heat for 3 to 4 minutes until thickened.
- 5
5. Transfer the cooked semolina to a large bowl. Add the onion, garlic, and spinach mixture, then mix in the beaten eggs and half of the grated cheese. Stir well until fully combined.
- 6
6. Pour the mixture into the greased dish and smooth the top with a spoon. Sprinkle the remaining grated cheese over the surface.
- 7
7. Bake for 22 to 26 minutes at 200 °C / 400 °F, until the center is set and the top is golden.
- 8
8. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving so the bake holds its shape better.
Chef tips
For a softer texture, add 2 to 3 extra tablespoons of water to the semolina while cooking. You can also broil the top for 2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
Substitutions
You can use Swiss chard instead of spinach. The cheese can be replaced with any affordable melting cheese. For extra flavor, add a little more paprika or pepper.
What I used to make it
Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.
Illustrative imageNinja Professional BL610 Blender
Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Smoothies, sauces and soups
- Easy-to-wash jar
- Check the power and jar size
Illustrative imageCosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer
Browning and baking with little oil
- Browns food with very little oil
- Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
- Check the basket capacity
Illustrative imageT-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan
Eggs, omelets and stir-fries
- Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
- Comfortable, sturdy handle
- Use wooden or silicone utensils
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