Breakfast lasagna with spinach and feta
I am currently in search for an apartment in Berlin and I have to admit that it is an experience I’ll never forget. Five years ago I was going through a similar process in Sydney. I was looking for something interesting online, going to the indicated address at the specified time, and there have already been 50 others, interested in the same place. Of course, there was usually a principle “first come first served”, so one person was waiting in a line to see an apartment and the other was waiting for a phone in front of the agency, ready to submit papers and to pay bond. It was a real fight, no friendships were made. By the way, there has been a series of papers, like a bank statement, proof of employment for the past three months, recommendations from previous landlords and so one. For some of you it sounds obvious, but not for all :) I remember that at the time I used to think that such things may happen only in Australia. Well, Berlin is the same. Crowds are waiting, a collection of papers in a briefcase is obligatory and not enouch cool apartments is vacant. In addition, in the apartments there is usually no kitchen equipment, not even a sink. Nevertheless, I found a dream apartment, Iapplied for it and I hope I’ll get this one or maybe something similar. Berlin is definitely worth it.
And for now, I use Nicole’s kitchen, furnished and with anoven. I managed to make a breakfast lasagna, which I recommend strongly for the weekend, because the preparation takes quite a time. Crepes, spinach combined with feta, and cheese crust on a top will make your taste buds crazy.
You will need:
For crepes:
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups flour
- 3-4 cups of milk (of half on half with water)
- salt
- oil for frying
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix as long as the dough will be smooth. Fry on a hot pan with a bit of oil.
For stuffing:
- 2 boxes of frozen spinach (around 400g)
- feta cheese (one package)
- onion, shredded
- few garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp butter
- salt and pepper
Melt the butter in a pot, fry the onion and add spinach. Cook it until it gets soft. Add garlic, cook for a minute or two and add feta cheese (it’s a good idea to crush it with a fork before). Season with salt and pepper (try it first, as feta may be salty enough).
For béchamel sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1,5 cup milk fat one will be better)
Melt the butter in a pot, add the flour and mix it until smooth. Add small amounts of milk and mis it until tit’s dense.
When all the ingredients are ready - crepes, spinach mix and sauce, the only thing left is to form your breakfast lasagna. You can use a round form for baking and it will most probably be a good choice, as crepes are round as well, but I used two the square and small ones. On the bottom place the crepe, cover it with a spinach mix and pour some sauce over it. Repeat is as long as the whole dish will be filled out. When you put the last layer, sprinkle it with a grated yellow cheese. Place it to the oven heated to 180*C and bake until the cheese will melt and achieve a golden color.
If you’re not sure how to make the layers, you can find it on pictures on Kokilka’s blog, where I found the recipe.
And here come some pictures from Berlin covered with sun.
I’m also preparing recommendations of some lovely places in Berlin, where you can have a nice breakfast or a break for a coffee while you’re visiting Berlin.
Enjoy, Marta.
