Spinach is a green leafy vegetable that is rich in iron. Spinach is not only for Popeye, but can be enjoyed by anyone, whether cooked or raw. You can add spinach to salads or smoothies, boil it, saute it, or even make creamed spinach, to maximize the flavor of this simple and delicious vegetable. If you want to know how to prepare spinach, see Step 1 to get started.
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Part 1 of 3: Preparing Your Spinach
Step 1. Choose healthy spinach
Browse the spinach section of the store or market to find bunches of spinach that have fresh, dark green leaves. Don't choose spinach with mushy or wilted, yellow, and bruised leaves. It's important to choose spinach that's fresh so it can last long enough to make a delicious meal. At the supermarket, you'll likely find most of the spinach removed from the stem and packaged in a sealed plastic bag. In traditional markets or fresh food markets, most spinach is available in bundles with thick and good leaves.
- The most common type of spinach found is fine-leaved spinach which has smooth and flat leaves that are easy to clean.
- Savoy spinach can withstand cold temperatures better than other types of spinach. The leaves have deep wrinkles making it quite difficult to remove dust and dirt from the leaves.
- Baby spinach or 'baby spinach' is ordinary spinach that is picked after 15-20 days of growing whereas ordinary spinach is picked after 45-60 days of growing. Baby spinach has more tender young leaves and is better for salads, while mature spinach is better for cooking.
Step 2. Store the spinach in a plastic bag in the refrigerator
Spinach can be stored this way for 3 days. If you buy spinach in a sealed bag, make sure that you keep it tightly closed with a clip after you open it so that the remaining spinach stays fresh. If you don't plan on using it right away, then you should keep it until you're ready to use it. You should not wash or dry the spinach until you are ready to cook it, or it will wilt.
Step 3. Remove the leaves from the stems
If your spinach is still attached to its large stem, then you will need to cut it with a knife or kitchen shears. You can use a paring knife for more accuracy. Although edible, the spinach stalks are a bit tough and not very tasty, and your spinach leaves will taste better without the stems.
Step 4. Clean the leaves with water to remove soil particles and other debris
Often spinach has dirt stuck to it which can make it feel gritty. If you buy spinach in a sealed plastic bag and it says it has been washed, then you can still wash it again just to be safe, but don't take as many precautions as for spinach bought from the market. Here's how to wash spinach:
- Separate the leaves.
- Run your hand under the spine of the spinach center to separate the leaves and stems. This is an optional step. Some people like to eat spinach leaf stems.
- Put the leaves into a basin of water, stir briefly, then discard the water.
- Repeat until all dirt is gone.
Step 5. Dry your spinach
You should wait for the spinach to dry before cooking it - unless you want to boil it. To dry it, you can put the spinach in a colander then let it sit for 10 minutes and wait for it to dry, or you can pat it gently with a thick paper towel. Make sure you do it slowly so you don't end up squeezing the spinach leaves. Once the spinach is dry, you should cook it as soon as possible to avoid wilting the leaves
Part 2 of 3: Cooking Spinach
Step 1. Boil spinach
One of the easiest ways to cook spinach is to simply boil it. You can boil spinach and eat spinach on its own, or you can boil it as a first step to making creamed spinach. Here's what you have to do to boil spinach:
- Place the spinach in a large pot of boiling water.
- Cook for 3-5 minutes.
- Drain well.
- Place in ice water to "surprise" it and give it a nice green color, then drain again (optional).
- Place in a serving plate and lightly sprinkle with olive oil.
- Add the salt and paper sufficiently.
Step 2. Saute spinach
Sauteing is one of the most common methods of cooking spinach. All you need besides 2 bunches of spinach is olive oil, 2 cloves of sliced garlic (optional), and salt and pepper to taste. Here's what you have to do to sauté spinach:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
- Add a bunch of spinach and cook for one minute, until it starts to wilt. #*Stir the spinach with tongs while it cooks.
- Add another bunch of spinach and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes until all the spinach is wilted.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3. Make the creamed spinach
Making creamed spinach is a great way to make your spinach dish richer, warmer, and tastier. You can enjoy this dish on its own or serve it as a dip with steak, chicken, or any other protein source of your choice. To make it, you will need the following ingredients: 680 grams of spinach, 1 stick of butter, 8 tablespoons flour, 1/2 medium onion diced, 3 cloves of minced garlic, 2 cups (380 ml) milk, and salt and pepper to taste. Here's what you need to do to make creamy spinach:
- Melt 1 stick of butter in a thick saucepan.
- Sprinkle flour into butter and beat together.
- Cook flour and butter over medium heat for five minutes.
- Add the diced (chopped) onion or garlic and minced garlic, and stir for 1 more minute.
- Add milk and beat the mixture continuously for 5 minutes.
- Saute spinach in a separate skillet. Follow the instructions for sautéing spinach above (without garlic).
- Sprinkle the cream sauce with salt and pepper to taste and add the sautéed spinach.
- Gently stir in the spinach and cream sauce until evenly combined.
Step 4. Roast the spinach
Roasted spinach, like creamed spinach, is another great way to make a rich, hearty spinach dish. This method also provides a bonus of rich, flavorful cheese delights. Here are all the ingredients you'll need to make delicious roasted spinach: 1/2 cup chopped onion or red onion, 2 tablespoons butter, 2 bunches of spinach, 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, 1/3 cup milk, 5 tablespoons eat grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup crusty breadcrumbs, and salt and pepper to taste. Here's how to bake it:
- Saute onions in butter for 2-3 minutes until soft.
- Add spinach, milk and cream. Stir.
- Remove from stove.
- Add 4 tablespoons cheese, bread crumbs, and salt and pepper. #*Stir evenly.
- Spoon the mixture onto the baking sheet.
- Sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
- Bake the spinach uncovered in the oven at 350°F (176°C) for 40-45 minutes or until the cheese is lightly browned.
Part 3 of 3: Preparing Raw Spinach
Step 1. Make a spinach and strawberry salad
The spinach and strawberry salad is a simple and nutritious dish that doesn't require you to cook the spinach at all. All you need are the following ingredients: 1 pack of spinach leaves, 10 fresh strawberries, 1/2 cup split almonds, medium-sized onion, vinegar, olive oil, 3 tablespoons sugar, and salt and pepper to taste. Here's what you need to do to make it:
- Cut the onion.
- Divide each strawberry into four.
- Stir the onions, strawberries, almonds, and spinach together.
- Mix 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons sugar, and enough salt and pepper to make the sauce.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently.
Step 2. Make a spinach salad with figs and feta cheese
This sweet salad is perfect to enjoy on a sunny afternoon, at a picnic, or as a side dish to any meal. All you need to do is mix 1 packet of spinach leaves, 1/2 cup of crushed or diced feta cheese, 10-15 chopped figs, 1/2 cup of pecans (an oval, brown nut native to Central America), and 1 cup of grapes. Add some simple balsamic dressing, or raspberry dressing, and your salad is done! No need to cook!
Step 3. Make a spinach smoothie
Spinach can add a delicious, healthy flavor to any vegetable or fruit smoothie. In general, all you need to do to make a spinach smoothie is just add the spinach and whatever other ingredients you want to use and blend the mixture until smooth. Here are some ingredients that can be used to make a spinach and pear smoothie:
- 1 1/2 cups water or coconut water
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 cup ripe pears cut
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
- 1 teaspoon honey
Step 4.
