Artichoke-Arugula Soufflé Squares

• Recipe by Melissa Clark

Another option for serving these airy squares is to set them on mini cocktail toasts.

Ingredients

1. 4 scallions, cut into thirds
2. 3 garlic cloves
3. 1 cup packed arugula leaves
4. Two 6-ounce jars marinated artichoke hearts--drained, rinsed and patted dry
5. 6 large eggs
6. 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
7. 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
8. Tabasco sauce
9. 1/2 pound sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded (2 cups)
10. Coarse salt, for sprinkling (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°. Brush a 9-inch-square baking pan with olive oil. Line the pan with parchment or wax paper and oil the paper. 
2. In a food processor, pulse the scallions with the garlic cloves and arugula leaves until they are finely chopped. Add the artichoke hearts and pulse until coarsely chopped. 
3. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy. Whisk in the nutmeg, pepper and a dash of Tabasco. Add the eggs to the processor along with the Cheddar and pulse just to combine; the mixture should be chunky. 
4. Pour the soufflé mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake the soufflé for 30 minutes, or until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Transfer to a rack and let cool slightly. 
5. Turn the soufflé out onto a cutting board and carefully peel off the parchment paper. Cut the artichoke-arugula soufflé into small squares and serve warm or at room temperature, sprinkled with coarse salt.

Make Ahead

The squares can be made up to 2 hours ahead and served at room temperature.