Vegetarian Holiday Ideas -- Squash, Leek And Cheddar Souffle With Spinach

SQUASH, LEEK AND CHEDDAR SOUFFLE WITH SPINACH 8 servings

Vegetable cooking spray

2 medium butternut squash, about 1 1/4 pounds each

1 (10-ounce) package fresh washed spinach

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 medium leeks, white part only, thinly sliced and rinsed

2 shallots, peeled and minced

2 medium cloves garlic, peeled and minced

1/2 cup milk or soy milk

1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed

1/2 teaspoon salt

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese, or cheddar-style soy cheese

2 eggs, room temperature, separated

1 egg white, room temperature

1. Spray a shallow, 2-quart baking dish with vegetable cooking spray and set aside.

2. Cut the squash in halves lengthwise. Place in a large foil-lined pan, cut side up. Add about 1/2 cup water to the pan, cover with foil and bake in a preheated 350-degree oven about 45 to 50 minutes, or until very tender when pierced. Remove from the oven. When the squash is cool enough to handle, scoop out the seeds and fibers. Scrape the pulp from the peel into a bowl.

3. Stem the spinach and put into a large pan with about 1 cup water. Bring to a boil, stir the spinach and cook 2 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. Squeeze excess moisture from the spinach and chop. Add to the squash.

4. Heat the oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the leeks, shallots and garlic; saute until softened, about 7 minutes. (Add a tablespoon of water if the vegetables begin to stick.) Cool slightly. Add to the squash mixture.

5. Stir in the milk, nutmeg, thyme, salt, pepper, cheese and egg yolks.

6. Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold a quarter of the whites into the vegetable mixture; fold in the remaining whites. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and bake in the middle of the oven in a preheated 350-degree oven 40 minutes.

Data per serving Calories 191 Protein 11g Fat 10.4g Carbohydrates 16.6g Sodium 331mg Saturated fat 5.08g Monounsaturated fat 3.75g Polyunsaturated fat 0.72g Cholesterol 75mg

From "Vegetarian Celebrations - Festive Menus for Holidays and Other Special Occasions" by Nava Atlas.