Spinach pie with peperonata

Method

1. First, make the peperonata. Remove the seeds from the tomatoes, chop the flesh and place into a saucepan. Cook over a low heat until the tomatoes begin to give off their juice. Bring to the boil and simmer until they are reduced by half. (Alternatively, use half a can of peeled plum tomatoes, drained and chopped. No need to cook in that case).
2. Heat 1tbsp of oil in a medium to large pan and cook the sliced peppers gently for 3-4 mins, stirring all the time, until the peppers are beginning to soften. Add half the garlic and continue cooking and stirring for another 30 secs. Add the cooked tomatoes (or the canned tomatoes) and the sugar then cover and simmer for 15 mins. Season well with salt and pepper to taste. Cool and refrigerate overnight.
3. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F / gas mark 6). Grease and line a 20cm square tin with baking parchment. Roughly chop the spinach and put into a large saucepan. Cover with a lid and cook until the spinach has wilted then let it cool. Line a large sieve with two layers of kitchen paper and place the spinach inside. Top with another piece of kitchen paper and press to extract as much liquid as you can. You should be left with a small ball of spinach. If you're using frozen spinach, just defrost and press through a sieve in the same way.
4. Saute the onion and the rest of the garlic in the remaining olive oil until softened, but not coloured. In a bowl, mix together the onion, garlic, spinach and all the remaining ingredients. Stir well to make a moist mixture, adding a little water if it seems rather dry. Season to taste with a little salt (if needed) and lots of pepper. Pile into the prepared dish and cover tightly with a piece of foil. Bake for about 20 mins, removing the foil lid for the last 5 mins.
5. Reheat the peperonata and serve with the spinach pie.

© The Vegetarian Society Recipe created by the Cordon Vert cookery school.