Strata (food) facts for kids
Strata (sometimes called stratta) is a yummy layered dish from America. Think of it like a casserole, which is a big dish baked in the oven. Strata is often served for brunch, which is a meal that combines breakfast and lunch.
Most strata recipes use bread, eggs, and cheese. You can also add meat or vegetables to make it even more delicious! The word "strata" means "layers," and that's how this dish is usually made – with different layers of ingredients.
A famous cookbook called Silver Palate Good Times Cookbook helped make strata popular in 1984.
Some strata recipes are a bit different. Instead of layering, all the ingredients are mixed together. It's a bit like a savory bread pudding. After mixing, a beaten egg mixture is poured over everything. Then, the dish needs to rest for a while, from one hour to overnight, before it's baked. Strata is always served warm.
Contents
What is Strata?
Strata is a type of baked dish, usually made in layers. It's often served as a main course for brunch or a light dinner. The main ingredients are usually bread, eggs, and cheese. These ingredients are put together in a baking dish and then cooked until golden and bubbly.
Why is it Called Strata?
The word "strata" comes from Latin and means "layers." This name fits perfectly because many strata recipes involve arranging ingredients in different layers. Imagine slices of bread, then cheese, then vegetables, all stacked up!
Common Ingredients in Strata
- Bread: Stale bread works best because it soaks up the egg mixture without getting too soggy.
- Eggs: Eggs are key! They act like a glue, holding all the ingredients together as the dish bakes.
- Cheese: Cheese adds a creamy, savory flavor. Many types of cheese can be used, like cheddar or Swiss.
- Milk or Cream: This is mixed with the eggs to create a custard-like base.
- Add-ins: You can add cooked meats like ham or sausage, or vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
How Strata is Made
Making strata is pretty simple, but it does take a little planning!
Preparing the Layers
First, you usually cut bread into cubes or slices. These bread pieces form the base layers in a baking dish. Then, you add your chosen fillings, like cheese, cooked meat, or vegetables, in layers on top of the bread.
The Egg Mixture
Next, eggs are beaten with milk or cream, and seasonings like salt and pepper. This liquid mixture is then poured over the layered ingredients in the dish. The bread soaks up this eggy liquid, which helps it become soft and delicious when baked.
Resting and Baking
After pouring the egg mixture, the strata needs to rest. This resting time can be from one hour to even overnight in the refrigerator. This step is important because it allows the bread to fully soak up the liquid. When it's ready, the strata is baked in the oven until it's puffed up, golden brown, and cooked through.
History of Strata
Strata has been around for a long time, evolving from simple baked dishes.
Early Strata Recipes
One of the earliest known recipes for strata is from 1902. This old recipe was for "Cheese Strata." It was a dish made with layers of bread, a creamy white sauce (called Béchamel sauce), and cheese. Interestingly, this early version did not include eggs, which are a main ingredient in most modern strata recipes! It was more like a gratin, which is a dish topped with a browned crust, often made of breadcrumbs or cheese.
Images for kids
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Breakfast strata
