CREAMY SPINACH WITH SMOKED GOUDA GRATIN

Steps:

• PREPARE SMOKED GOUDA BECHAMEL:.
• In a medium saucepan, melt the butter or margarine; add the flour and whisk over moderately high heat for 30 seconds.
• Add the milk and bring to a boil, whisking constantly.
• Cook over moderate heat, whisking constantly, until thickened, 4 to 5 minutes.
• Add the cream, smoked Gouda, paprika (if using)and nutmeg and whisk just until the cheese is melted, about 2 minutes.
• Season with salt & pepper.
• Use right away or cover directly with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
• PREPARE THE SPINACH:.
• Preheat the broiler and position a rack 10 inches from the heat.
• In a large soup pot, bring 1/4 inch of water to a boil.
• Add the spinach and cook over high heat, tossing with long tongs, until completely wilted, about 3 minutes.
• Transfer the spinach to a colander and drain, pressing out as much liquid as possible add a squeeze of lemon; put into kitchen towels and press the water out.
• In a medium, ovenproof skillet, heat the olive oil and pinch of crushed red pepper flakes(if using); add the onion and cook over high heat, stirring, until softened, about 3 minutes.
• Add the wilted spinach and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
• Add the Smoked Gouda Béchamel and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until bubbling, about 1 minute.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Sprinkle the spinach with the bread crumbs and shredded Gouda and broil for 2 minutes, until golden and bubbling.
• Serve hot.