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Cooking spinach

by Lynn Brooks
(USA)

How to Cook Spinach

Spinach is one of the easiest leafy green vegetables to prepare. It can be sautéed, steamed, boiled, microwaved, or eaten raw in salads. Learning how to cook spinach is a great beginner cooking skill because it cooks quickly and pairs well with many recipes.

One thing to remember is that spinach shrinks dramatically during cooking. A large bowl of fresh spinach may cook down to only a small serving, so plan accordingly when preparing recipes.

Preparing Spinach

1. Rinse fresh spinach thoroughly under cold water.
2. Remove any damaged leaves or tough stems.
3. Drain well or pat dry with paper towels.

How to Sauté Spinach

1. Heat 1/2 teaspoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Finely chop 1/2 small red onion.
3. Add onion and a pinch of salt.
4. Cook until the onion becomes translucent.
5. Add 1 clove minced garlic if desired.
6. Add 2 cups fresh spinach leaves.
7. Cook, stirring frequently, for 2 to 3 minutes.
8. Remove from heat as soon as the spinach wilts.

Sautéed spinach makes an excellent side dish and can be added to eggs, pasta, rice bowls, soups, and casseroles.

How to Boil Spinach

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2. Add the spinach leaves.
3. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until wilted.
4. Drain immediately.
5. Rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

Note: Fresh spinach cooks very quickly. Ten minutes would overcook most spinach and result in a mushy texture.

How to Steam Spinach

1. Place spinach in a steamer basket over simmering water.
2. Cover and steam for 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Remove when leaves are wilted and bright green.

Cooked Spinach and Cranberry Salad

This warm spinach salad combines sweet cranberries, crunchy almonds, and protein-rich eggs.

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Garlic powder, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Ranch dressing, optional
• Parmesan cheese, optional

Directions

1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add spinach and stir until it begins to wilt.
3. Stir in cranberries, eggs, and almonds.
4. Season with garlic powder and pepper.
5. Transfer to a serving bowl.
6. Top with Parmesan cheese and ranch dressing if desired.

Tortellini and Spinach Salad

This simple meal combines pasta, vegetables, and spinach into one easy dish.

Ingredients

• 1 (9-ounce) package cheese tortellini, cooked
• 4 cups fresh spinach, lightly wilted and chopped
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 (2-ounce) can sliced black olives, drained
• Italian dressing, optional
• Salt, pepper, or garlic salt to taste

Directions

1. Cook tortellini according to package directions.
2. Drain and cool slightly.
3. Combine tortellini, spinach, Parmesan cheese, tomatoes, and olives in a large bowl.
4. Toss gently.
5. Add Italian dressing if desired.
6. Season to taste and serve.

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