Spinach is a dark green, leafy vegetable that is packed full of nutrition. It can be eaten raw or cooked and served as a side dish, but it has also found its way to the center of main dishes. Spinach is a versatile vegetable, needs very little seasoning and is low in calories. It has a high amount of iron, vitamins A and C, and moderate amounts of calcium. Adding fresh spinach to your diet is an easy way to benefit your health.
Preparation
Step 1.
Trim the stems off the spinach leaves with a knife or scissors.
Step 2.
Put the spinach in a colander, and rinse it well with cool running water. Or fill a clean sink with cool water, and soak the spinach for a minute or two. Swirl it around with your hand to loosen any dirt. Or .
Step 3.
Dry the spinach in a salad spinner or with paper towels.
Saute
Step 1.
Pour the olive oil in large skillet with olive oil, and heat it over medium heat.
Step 2.
Add the chopped fresh garlic or minced garlic, and saute for 30 seconds.
Step 3.
Add half of the spinach to the skillet, and toss the spinach with tongs to coat with garlic and olive oil.
Step 4.
Add the rest of the spinach, tossing it again with the tongs. Cover and saute for 1 minute. You may need to press it down a bit.
Step 5.
Toss the spinach again, cover and cook for another minute. The spinach is done when it has just wilted.
Step 6.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Steam
Step 1.
Place a large pot with 2 inches of water over high heat.
Step 2.
Put the steamer inside the pot, and bring the water to a boil.
Step 3.
Add the spinach to the steamer, and reduce the heat to low.
Step 4.
Simmer, covered, for about 2 minutes. The spinach is done when it has just wilted.
Step 5.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Things You Will Need
2 lbs. fresh spinach
Colander
Paper towels or salad spinner
Large skillet with cover
Tongs
2 tbsp. olive oil
2 or 3 cloves fresh garlic
Large pot with steamer
Salt
Pepper
Tip
Use 1 or 2 tsp. minced garlic in place of fresh garlic. Toss the spinach with lemon juice or a homemade vinaigrette.
Warning
Spinach loses great volume when cooked down.
References
Writer Bio
Nicole Adams is an accomplished writer, publishing in print and online. She has submitted hundreds of articles for websites, including CBS Local and Education.com. Adams earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology with concentrated studies in health and nutrition, and animal behavior and nutrition. She loves to cook and volunteers in animal rescue.