8 Clever Tips For Preparing Spinach

Last Updated on Aug 12, 2024 by Happy Dieter

We all know how healthy spinach is. When buying spinach of either type, choose fresh-looking leaves with crisp stems that are not floppy or discolored. If you’re buying ready-trimmed spinach in a bag, make sure the leaves look fresh and not wilted or slimy. Here are some useful tips for preparing spinach to add nourishment and flavor to your family dinners.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Fresh spinach should have crisp stems and vibrant green leaves for the best flavor and nutritional benefits.
Spinach is incredibly versatile and can be used in smoothies, salads, stir-fries, and even as a substitute for lettuce in sandwiches.
Cooking spinach properly, such as wilting before adding to dishes, can enhance its texture and taste in various recipes.

1. In a Smoothie

If you don’t care for the taste of spinach, adding it to a smoothie is a great solution. Grab a handful of fresh spinach and drop it in your morning blend. In this way, you’ll get half your daily needs of vitamin A in just one cup. To mask the taste, blend with some berries and coconut or almond milk. The strong flavors of the milk and berries will drown out the taste of the spinach.

2. Layer into Lasagna

Noodles, meat, cheese, sauce, spinach, and repeat. Spinach cooks right into lasagna, but it’s best to wilt the spinach before adding it since the leaves are ‘puffy’. Once you wilt the leaves, wait a few moments for them to dry, or speed up the process by wringing them out and patting dry with a paper towel. You can also include spinach not only in lasagna but in your favorite casseroles and bakes.

3. In a Salad

Spinach can be added to just about any salad, from a Caesar to a chopped to a simple olive oil and vinegar variety. Make a romaine and fresh spinach mix and add anything you like to it. You can make a traditional salad with croutons and parmesan or make it more of a mixed vegetable salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and artichoke hearts.

4. As a Side

Put about a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan and add some chopped garlic, sautéing for a few minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste, along with a few drops of lemon juice for both flavor and a boost of vitamin C. This makes a quick and healthy side dish.

5. On a Sandwich

Replace iceberg lettuce with spinach on your sandwich. Spinach is more versatile than iceberg lettuce and even more nutritious, which means one less type of lettuce you must buy at the store. You can add hot or cold raw spinach for two different but equally tasty sandwiches.

6. In a Stir Fry

You don’t have to chop your spinach, making it an easy vegetable to use in stir-fry recipes. As it cooks, spinach will shrink, so if you have some spinach on the verge of going bad, stir-frying is the answer. For a completely no-chop, easy stir-fry, add spinach, mushrooms, and peas to a lightly greased skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic, then add chicken or tofu for protein.

7. With Eggs

Spinach regularly makes it into omelets, but you can also add it to plain scrambled eggs. This not only adds flavor, but it’s also an easy way to get an extra serving of veggies each day. One cup of spinach has only 7 calories and provides 14% of your daily needs of vitamin C.

8. Wrap

Wrap wilted spinach into spring rolls, wontons, and egg rolls. Making your own at home is very easy, and the kids will love helping. Just pick up a package of spring rolls or wonton wrappers in the refrigerator section of your local store. Don’t forget to add other vegetables and meat too—no one wants just green inside! Try adding bamboo shoots, bean sprouts, meat, water chestnuts, matchstick carrots, celery, and corn.

Conclusion

Incorporating spinach into your meals is not only easy but also incredibly beneficial for your health. By following these tips for preparing spinach, you can make this nutrient-packed green a staple in your diet, adding both flavor and essential vitamins to your dishes.

FAQs

Q: How do I keep spinach fresh for longer?

A: To keep spinach fresh, store it in the refrigerator in a loosely closed plastic bag with a paper towel inside to absorb excess moisture.

Q: Can I freeze spinach for later use?

A: Yes, you can freeze spinach. Blanch the leaves in boiling water for a minute, then quickly cool them in ice water, drain, and store in freezer bags.

Q: Is it better to eat spinach raw or cooked?

A: Both raw and cooked spinach offer health benefits. Cooking spinach reduces its oxalate content and increases the availability of nutrients like iron and calcium.