SPICY STRATA

Spicy Strata image

Provided by Aida Mollenkamp

Time 13h10m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

Previous Next

Ingredients

1 tablespoon unsalted butter
6 medium scallions, ends trimmed and thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
8 ounces asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces (about 2 cups)
6 large eggs
1 1/2 cups half-and-half
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 pound loaf ciabatta or French bread, sliced 3/4-inch thick
1 1/2 cups shredded Jack cheese (about 4 ounces)
1/2 cup pickled jalapenos, rinsed and coarsely chopped
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves, plus more for garnish
Sour cream, for garnish
Avocado, for garnish

Steps:

Butter 8-by-8-inch baking dish and set aside. Heat butter over medium heat. When it foams, add scallions, and cook until just softened, about 1 minute. Add asparagus and cook until bright green and beginning to soften, about 2 minutes; remove from heat.
Whisk eggs, half-and-half, salt, cumin, and pepper in a large bowl until evenly combined. Arrange half of the bread in bottom of prepared dish. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of the cheese and half each of jalapenos, cilantro, and asparagus mixture. Pour over half of egg mixture. Repeat layering with remaining bread, another 1/2 cup of the cheese, and remaining chilies, cilantro and asparagus mixture. Pour remaining egg mixture over top.
Sprinkle strata with another 1/4 cup of the cheese and push to ensure bread is submerged in egg custard. Cover with plastic wrap, put a plate and a 1-pound weight on top (a large can of tomatoes or rice in a re-sealable plastic bag works well), place in refrigerator for 1 to 12 hours.
When ready to bake, heat oven to 325 degrees F and arrange rack in the middle. Let strata sit at room temperature while oven heats, at least 20 minutes.
Sprinkle strata with remaining 1/4 cup of the cheese and bake until puffed and edges pull away slightly, about 40 to 45 minutes. Cool for at least 5 minutes before serving. Serve with some cilantro, sour cream, and avocado, as desired.

Nisha Pariyar

[email protected]

I'm not a big fan of spicy food, but this strata was still really good. The spice level was just right.

malik mustfa

[email protected]

This dish is a must-try for anyone who loves strata. The combination of flavors and textures is amazing.

Rahab Mwangi

[email protected]

This strata is a great way to use up leftover bread. I also like that it can be made ahead of time, which makes it perfect for busy mornings.

Khurram Awan

[email protected]

I'm always looking for new strata recipes, and this one is definitely a winner. It's easy to make and the results are delicious.

kirbertos._

[email protected]

I wasn't sure how the spicy flavor would go with the other ingredients, but it turned out really well. The spice added a nice depth of flavor.

Yesenia Ayala

[email protected]

This recipe is a keeper! I've made it several times and it's always a crowd-pleaser.

Md. Aminul Islam Rubel

[email protected]

I'll definitely be making this strata again. It's a great dish for a brunch or potluck.

Salm Salm

[email protected]

This strata was easy to make and turned out great! I used a different type of cheese than the recipe called for, but it still came out delicious.

Kwadwo Boateng

[email protected]

I was a little hesitant to try this recipe because I'm not a big fan of spicy food, but I'm so glad I did! The spice level was perfect - it added a nice kick without being overpowering.