How to Cook Spinach -5 Ways
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Eat your veggies, they say, but how about easy vegetable side recipes that make that more doable and delicious? Today, we're diving into the vibrant, nutritious world of spinach and all the exciting ways to incorporate this leafy green into your meals. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, cooking spinach can be a breeze with the right tips and tricks. So, grab your apron, and let's get cooking!
Why Eat Spinach and it’s Nutrition:
First things first, let's talk about why spinach deserves a spot on your plate. Not only is it incredibly versatile, but spinach is also packed with essential nutrients that can boost your overall health. Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate, iron, and calcium, spinach offers a powerhouse of nutrition in every bite. Plus, it's low in calories and high in fiber, making it a great choice for weight management and digestive health. So, whether you're looking to support your immune system, strengthen your bones, or improve your digestion, spinach has got you covered! But how to you cook spinach?
How to Clean and Store Fresh Spinach:
If using fresh spinach, let's talk about how to choose, clean, and store fresh spinach. When selecting spinach at the grocery store or farmer's market, look for bright green leaves that are crisp and firm to the touch. Avoid any wilted or yellowing leaves, as they may be past their prime. But what about frozen spinach? Frozen is often healthier than fresh. A study at Pennsylvania State University shows that when fresh spinach sits in a truck for transportation over long distances or sits in your refrigerator for a week, folate content drops so much that frozen spinach becomes the better source. Freezing spinach does not seem to mean any loss in beta-carotene content. Who knew?? And its a great way to always have spinach on hand.
Once you've brought your spinach home, give it a thorough rinse under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. For larger bunches of spinach, you may need to soak the leaves in a bowl of water for a few minutes to ensure they're clean. After washing, gently pat the spinach dry with paper towels or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
To store fresh spinach, wrap it loosely in a damp paper towel and place it in a perforated plastic bag or airtight container. Store it in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to a week. Just be sure to avoid storing spinach near fruits like apples or bananas, as they can cause it to spoil more quickly.
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Now, let's get into the fun part and chat about how to cook spinach.
1-3) Sauteed Spinach: Now, let's get into the fun part – cooking spinach! One of the quickest and tastiest ways to enjoy spinach is by sautéing it. Here are a few different variations to try:
Garlic and Olive Oil: Heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Add fresh spinach leaves and toss until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a burst of flavor.
Bacon and Onion: Cook chopped bacon in a skillet until crispy, then remove from the pan and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté diced onion until softened, then add spinach and cook until wilted. Stir in the cooked bacon and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Parmesan and Pine Nuts: Toast pine nuts in a dry skillet until golden brown, then set aside. In the same skillet, melt butter and add fresh spinach leaves. Once wilted, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts. Serve immediately for a delicious side dish.
4) Microwave Spinach: Short on time? No problem! You can easily cook spinach in the microwave for a quick and convenient side dish. Here's how:
1 lb. pre-washed spinach leaves
½ teaspoon kosher salt or ¼ teaspoon of table salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons melted butter
½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Place the spinach leaves in a very large, deep skillet. Add ¼ cup of water.
Cover tightly (ideally with a clear lid so you can peek) and turn the heat to medium-high. When the spinach starts to steam, turn the heat to medium, and gently steam until the leaves are just wilted, 3-5 minutes.
Transfer the cooked spinach to a colander. Press on it with the back of a large serving spoon to extract as much liquid as you can.
Transfer the steamed spinach to a serving plate. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and garlic powder, and drizzle with melted butter and lemon juice. Mix and serve.
Creamed spinach is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with steak, chicken, or fish. Start by sautéing some onions and garlic in butter until they're soft and fragrant. Then, add your spinach leaves and cook until they're wilted. Next, stir in some heavy cream, cream cheese, or sour cream until everything is nice and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for that extra special touch. Serve it up hot and watch it disappear before your eyes!
5) Creamed spinach
3 Tbsp unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1/2 cup finely chopped shallot
1 Tbsp minced garlic
2 lbs baby spinach
2 1/2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
2/3 cup heavy cream
2 pinches nutmeg (preferably freshly grated) optional
Salt and black pepper
4 oz. cream cheese, cut into small cubes and softened
3/4 cup (1.5 oz) finely shredded parmesan cheese
And there you have it – a fun and flavorful guide on how to cook spinach! Whether you prefer it sautéed, creamed, or microwaved, there are endless ways to enjoy this nutritious leafy green. So, why not get creative in the kitchen and whip up a delicious spinach dish today? Don't forget to share your favorite spinach recipes in the comments below – we'd love to hear from you! Happy cooking!
Bonus Recipe: Hot Spinach Artichoke Recipe!
More easy vegetable side recipes!