SPINACH AND BACON TARTINE

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Spinach and Bacon Tartine image

In Paris's small neighborhood cafés and bistros, kitchens are extremely small, consisting often of no more than a small wooden cutting board and a wall mounted heavy-duty toaster oven. At lunchtime a hot open-faced tartine - bubbling with fragrant cheese - is a popular menu choice. Similar to a piece of pizza, a tartine is constructed from a thick slice of rustic bread, lightly toasted. A savory topping and some good French cheese precede a few minutes of browning under the broiler. This tartine has a light smear of Dijon mustard, wilted spinach, bacon lardons and the bold-flavored cheese called Raclette, which melts in a spectacular way. If you can't get Raclette, substitute Gruyère or Emmenthaler. Accompanied by a green salad, it makes a quick light meal, or you may cut the tartine into small wedges to serve with drinks. Featured in: Grilled Cheese? Try A Tartine Recipe Instead.

Provided by @MakeItYours

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
6 ounces spinach or chard, washed
Salt and pepper
3 ounces thick-cut bacon, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch lardons
4 large 1/2-inch-thick slices bread from a day-old rustic loaf, such as miche or pain au levain (about 6 by 4 inches)
Dijon mustard
4 ounces Raclette or Gruyère cheese

Steps:

  • Put oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add spinach, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring for about 1 minute, until just wilted. Drain, cool and squeeze out excess water.
  • Fry bacon lardons in a dry skillet over medium-high heat for about 1 minute, until barely crisped. Remove and drain on paper towel.
  • Put the bread slices on a baking sheet and toast lightly on both sides under broiler (or use a toaster and place toasted slices on baking sheet). Brush lightly with mustard. Divide greens among the four toasts and spread out to cover. Tuck the bacon here and there.
  • Top each toast with slices of Raclette or Gruyère (about 1 ounce total on each toast). Broil for 2 to 3 minutes, not too close to the heat, until nicely browned. Alternatively, bake tartines 3 to 5 minutes on top shelf of a 450-degree oven, or individually in a countertop toaster oven. Serve hot.

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