I’ve always enjoyed a good magic show, and of course a delicious side dish. This roasted spinach is a good example of both. No wonder it’s one of our most popular vegetarian recipes!
But in general it’s best to cook the spinach first because the natural water in spinach will be released during cooking and can make your recipe too watery..
Why you’ll love it.
It’s Easy! A bag of spinach, some cherry tomatoes, garlic, some salt, pepper, and a little lemon juice
- !It’s dark, green, and leafy and a delicious way to load up on this anitoxidant-rich food.
- It’s economical. A complete side dish for just a buck or two.
- It goes with almost any main dish! I’m talking things like pan fried duck breast, herb-roasted turkey tenderloin, veal marsala, and, of course, old-fashioned roasted chicken!
Growing up, there were two things that I would not eat, under any circumstances: spinach and tomatoes. I gradually grew into tomatoes, if you will. Spinach was a different story.
“If spinach can be wilted on the stovetop, why not try it in the oven?”
I had a leaf here and a leaf there, but it wasn’t until I was well into adulthood that I ventured out and ordered a side of wilted spinach. Magic.
I still remember when and where, Trattoria Stefano, Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Magic. Now, every time that I make wilted spinach at home I am mystified how a huge bag of spinach can be reduced into what seems like a few forkfuls, via the wilting process. Magic.
The flavor of wilted spinach, with a little tune-up, Magic.
Tonight at the cottage I was in the midst of preparing an other-worldly tasting chicken recipe, when I realized that spinach would be an excellent side for what I was making. I had the oven on, and I had a handful of cherry tomatoes.
If spinach can be wilted on the stove top, why not try it in the oven? My mind was still going back to the cherry tomatoes that were roasted atop a margarita pizza in my 550 degree oven, last week (that Platter Talk post is still “rising”.)
They were literally bursting with flavor. Sweet cherry tomatoes, on top of savory wilted spinach? Like this easy tomato pasta. Magic. I hope you’ll try this roasted spinach. It’s one of my favorite low-fat recipes.
I’m pretty sure you’re going to love it. -Dan
Love Roasted Vegetables? Check out this recipe for Make-Ahead Roast Vegetables.
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Mistakes People Make When Cooking Spinach
FAQ
Do you have to cook spinach before you put it on pizza?
Does spinach need to be cooked?
What happens if you don’t cook spinach?
Should you cook spinach before adding to quiche?
Should you wash spinach before cooking?
Overall, it’s best not to wash them until you’re ready to cook. Don’t leave your spinach out at room temperature for too long, either — it’s best to get it in the refrigerator when it’s as fresh as possible. The cool temperatures will help it maintain its crispness, so it’s less likely to go limp.
How does one eat spinach?
Spinach can be eaten raw, sautéed, in salads, in pies, with fruit juice, in omelets, in soups and broths, and as your creativity allows.
What is the best way to cook spinach?
In fact, when done correctly, it’s a delicious side to any meal. Generally, the best way to cook spinach is on the stovetop. Sautéing spinach is an especially quick and easy way to cook spinach, which also evaporates excess moisture in the leaves. However, you can also boil or steam spinach in just a few minutes.
Can spinach be cooked on the stove?
Spinach is often cooked on the stove in a frying pan until wilted, boiled in a pot of salted water or served raw in salads. It is also added to soups, stews and in many other dishes cooked on the stove. But spinach may also be placed in the oven for a short while to make roasted spinach.