Any spinach recipes you love? How to spice it up a bit?

[Wcross]

Just wondering what you like to do to spinach to make it even more enjoyable than it already is. Any ideas?

[oregonjen]

1. Boiled spinach with sesame dressing=YUM!

Japanese recipe and I LOVE it. I normally don't find spinach all the great, but when I make this, my whole family eats it, including the kids, without complaining.

Ingredients:
1 Bunch (7oz) Spinach
Pinch salt


4 Tbsp white sesame seeds
1 Tbsp sugar
3 Tbsp soy sauce
1 2/3 oz dashi / basic stock

Directions:
1. Wash spinach thoroughly, especially the stems, and parboil in ample, lightly salted water until just tender. Then rinse in cold water, and let soak for 10 miniutes.
2. To make sesame dressing: toast sesame seeds over low hear until brown, and grind in a mortar until the seeds are half-ground. Add seasonings and dashi, and then mix.
3. Squeeze water from spinach, and cut into 1 inch lengths.
4. Dress spinach with sesame dressing.

To make Dashi / Basic stock
Ingredients (Makes 4 u.s cups while 1 2/3 oz dashi is needed for this recipe)
3 u.s cups water
4-inch(2/3oz) konbu kelp
1 handful (2/3-1oz) dried bonito flakes

Directions:
1. Wipe konbu kelp lightly with a well wrung damp cloth to clean.
2. Place water and konbu in a soup pot over medium heat. Remove konbu just before water reaches a boil.
3. Add bonito flakes and let them sink to the bottom, strain through a cheesecloth lined sieve.

:hi:

[malta blue]

2. I usually saute in olive oil

with minced garlic and finish with fresh lemon juice.

[Monk06]

3. Grill it in a frying pan ..........

One head of Spinach washed and de stemmed

Half a bulb of garlic minced

two oz of olive oil

Heat pan with oil on high until the oil begins to spatter

Turn down to medium

Add garlic and fry until it just starts browning

Put all the spinach leaves in the pan and press down
so the garlic sticks to the leaves.

When leaves on the edge of the pan start wilt fold the
spinach over into a rectangle 3 X 6 inches. Let simmer

Keep flipping the spinach rectangle until the garlic, oil
and water have the consistency of a light sauce and the spinach
is cooked dark but not scorched.

Serve with wild rice and whatever. Steamed Snapper, cherry tomatoes
and bok choy is my favorite entree.

[CTyankee]

5. this is so easy and so good it is almost a miracle! Do it!

You can also do this with broccoli rabe, if you can find it. Delicious. You will never go back to plain, steamed spinach or broccoli rabe again.

[Monk06]

7. Broccoli Rabe? You mean the leaves? They're sort of like Kale which I would like to try.

[CTyankee]

9. I don't know about kale. Broccoli rabe is an Italian favorite.

It is the leaves and it is delicious. I have heard, but I don't know firsthand, that kale has an unpleasant odor while it is cooking. Broccoli rabe does not. It is a lot like spinach, but tastier in my opinion.

P.S. Some Italians add hot pepper flakes to the rabe. I don't, but that is because my spouse would object...

[Monk06]

13. I have had rabe in small quantities. When you buy local broccoli

where I am they don't remove the leaves. I
noticed that the leaves are quite tender so
I have steamed them with the broccoli in the
past.

Another hint is Chinese broccoli which which
is always sold with the leaves.

I think Chinese broccoli would also work grilled
which is actually grilled/steamed when you think
about it.

Another hint. Although purists argue I always buy
Chinese broccoli that has gone to flower. The broccoli
is still tender and the flowers add a delicate secondary
flavor.

[CTyankee]

16. I simply cannot eat broccoli without digestive problems.

This is due to some abdominal surgery I had last year which laid me up for several months. I am fine now, but I find broccoli to be too difficult for my system to digest.

Your suggestion is interesting. I know I could find Chinese broccoli. I will check it out.

[Monk06]

19. Broccoli is a type of mustard as you probably know ..............

There are thousands of plants in the mustard
family. Your digestive problems are related
to the strong oils, which cause problems for
grazing animals as well as sensitive humans

http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/natbltn/200-299/nb228.htm

You might be OK with the leaves of mustard related
plants especially Chinese Broccoli which is AKA
Chinese Kale or Gai Lan or Kai Lan.

http://www.kitazawaseed.com/seeds_chinese_broccoli_1.html

Look for baby Gai Lan. It should have very thin stalks
(1/2" max)and lots of leaf with just one or two small
yellow flowers.

Sorry for your stomach problems. I am a little prone to
gastritis myself.

[hatredisnotavalue]

4. Spinach salad

One of my favorites.


Torn spinach leaves,
Topped with a diced tomatoe, three or four mushrooms sliced, real bacon crumbled and a boiled egg, sliced into fours, top with a really good Italian dressing.

[Lil Missy]

6. A very simple enhancement to spinach.

I drain all the juice, and nuke it with a couple slices of cheese. Delicious!

[Wcross]

11. Do you think Parmesan cheese would work?

I am cooking some now for dinner, should I add some parmesan cheese?

[Lil Missy]

18. I can't answer for your taste.

I think Parmesan would make it too dry for me. I like goopy and cheesy and wet. I LOVE cheese anyway. And I like Parmesan on spaghetti.

Try it, and let me know how it turns out.

[Wcross]

20. I tried it, it was "OK", not really great though.

The taste of the parmesan was a little too much. Next time I'll try some other type. Any particular type of cheese you could suggest?

[Lil Missy]

23. I use just plain American cheese slices. Boring, but delicious!

[Wcross]

26. I will try that tommorow night (leftovers)!

Thanks for the advice, I look forward to "Spinach ala Lil Missy" tommorow night.:party:

[Lil Missy]

29. LOL! Spinach ala "Lil' Missy" It's delicious! I swear!

You made me laugh because I have another very simple and mundane recipe that my family has always called "chicken ala

It's pretty boring, but sooo good. I bake chicken thighs, drain the grease and fat, and then add a couple cans of Cream of Chicken Soup to it and bake it more. Yum!

I also specialize in spaghetti sauce, and it takes an entire day to simmer with all the meat I put in there. It takes such a big pot to get all the meat in it, but it's pretty tasty after being frozen too!

[petronius]

30. You would probably like spinach madeleine

http://www.jfolse.com/recipes/appetizers/vegetable03.htm

IMO, it's the only legitimate use for any sort of processed cheez food...

[bicentennial_baby]

8. Spanikopita

:9

[Xipe Totec]

10. Simplest is best

steamed spinach with lime juice and a touch of salt.

[pitohui]

12. ok here's one

i hope this is not too hillbilly because i also do this w. collards, turnip greens etc. but here it is

fry up some bacon and save the bacon fat, cut up the bacon into little bits

saute some sweet onion in the bacon fat, also a little cut up fresh rosemary, when the onion is pretty clear, add the spinach and saute it a bit more, right before serving, stir in the bacon bits

(and please don't substitude those bacon bit soybeans things they used to sell, it MUST be cut up freshly fried bacon slices)

[IcyPeas]

14. add it (cooked) to mac and cheese

[alfredo]

15. Spinach soup with roasted sesame seed and soy sauce.

[electron_blue]

17. Palak alu

I don't have the recipe handy, but you can find several online. It can be made with a box of frozen, chopped spinach and one potato, plus some choice Indian spices. I love it!

eta: last night I made Palak paneer, which is more fussy, but wonderful.

[leftyclimber]

21. What about a nice spinach salad?

This recipe has bacon, but I suppose you could do without if that's not your style. I like to make this for company so they think I'm fancy. :evilgrin: This is from Cooking Light magazine:

Spinach Salad with Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette

1/4 c. maple syrup (the real kind)
3 T. minced shallots (about 1 medium)
2 T. red wine vinegar
1 T. canola/olive oil (I prefer olive)
1 T. country-style Dijon mustart
1/4 t. salt
1/4 t. freshly ground black pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
1 c. sliced mushrooms
1/2 c. vertically sliced red onion
1/2 c. chopped Braeburn apple
4 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled
10 oz. fresh spinach (1 package)

Combine first 8 ingrediencts in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add mushrooms and remaining ingredients; toss well to coat. ~8 servings.

[leftyclimber]

22. Oops -- dupe

[kath]

24. The Berghoff in Chicago used to make great creamed spinach (may sound gross, but it's YUMMY) and

here is the recipe:
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=resources&id=5623837

I second the recommendation above for the Indian Spinach and Potato Curry -- made with frozen spinach it's very easy.

I've misplaced the recipe, but I've made a great Grilled Brie and Spinach sandwich - I'm winging it here, but basically you saute some minced garlic in a little oil, add some spinach leaves to the skillet and saute until the spinach wilts. Slice some brie, put it on a slice of good sturdy bread, add the spinach then another slice of bread, and cook as you would a grilled cheese sandwich. Very tasty!

[Catshrink]

32. OMG! I loved the Berghoff's creamed spinach!

It is awesome.

[cemaphonic]

25. Saag Paneer

It is surprisingly easy to make your own cheese, and then you just cook the spinach, and fold in the cheese cubes when the spinach is nearly cooked.

[Benfea]

27. Shabu shabu! -NT

[LynzM]

28. Spinach salad as a meal...

I don't measure for salads, but maybe next time I'll take a pic. These are guesstimates for one salad's worth...

2-3 small handfuls of baby spinach
1 thin slice off a red onion, dice or leave as rings
5-6 roma tomatoes, halved
4 slices cucumber, halved
1 tbsp green onion, diced
2 tbsp bacon (fry on low until slightly crisp, save fat)
6-8 small slices portabella mushroom (fry in leftover bacon fat)
8-10 small cheese cubes (we use a local mild cheese)

Serve with a dark balsalmic vinaigrette. Yummay! :)

[Tuesday Afternoon]

31. ~Spinach and Artichoke Casserole ~

2 jars of marinated artichoke hearts, rinsed (because Rosani asked me to) and quartered
1 10oz. pack of frozen chopped spinach, thawed and water squeezed out a bit
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, sliced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
Salt and Pepper to taste
1 jar of chopped tomatoes or 1/2 carton of POMI chopped tomatoes
2 cups of shredded Parmesan cheese
In a large saute pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Saute onion for a few minutes and later on add the garlic.
Add the spinach to the onions and garlic. Saute together to give some flavor to the spinach. Salt and pepper to taste.
In a casserole dish, place the rinsed and quartered artichoke hearts, mix together the spinach mixture.
Add in the chopped tomatoes.
Mix in one cup of the Parmesan cheese.
Sprinkle remaining cheese on top of casserole.
Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes, until cheese is melted and a nice crust has developed on top.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

33. ~Baked Oysters and Spinach~

Ingredients
1-1/2 pounds fresh spinach, rinsed well and left wet
1/4 cup butter
1 large onion, finely chopped
large pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup fine dried bread crumbs
1 quart shucked fresh oysters
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill or 2 teaspoons dried


Instructions
Place the spinach in a large saucepan, cover, and steam over moderate heat for about 5 minutes or until tender. Drain the spinach, refresh under cold water, squeeze dry, and chop finely. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In a large skillet, heat half the butter, add the onion, and sauté over moderate heat for 5 minutes, stirring often. Add the spinach, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and cream. Stir well and cook over moderate heat for about 2 minutes, stirring in a few bread crumbs if necessary to thicken the mixture. Add the oysters and dill and stir well. Spoon the mixture into a well-buttered baking dish, sprinkle the top with bread crumbs, dot with the remaining butter, and bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

Yield: 6 servings

[havocmom]

34. Fresh spinach, chopped red onion, chopped apple (dipped in some lemon juice), crumbled bacon

Dressing: Mix your favorite bottled Italian with some undiluted orange juice concentrate (about 1 cup dressing to 1/4 cup OJ concentrate

It is great and I have yet to serve it to a man who didn't rave about it. Most ask for the recipe and I understand it is now a staple at any pot luck my brother-in-law's buds have! They lapped it up!

Grilled Spinach Sandwich: Toss spinach with a shake of olive oil, fresh minced garlic and a touch of salt, course pepper. Place on sourdough or good multi-grain, put on a slice of mozzarella, top with another slice of bread if you want and grill that puppy up. Delicious

Chop, blanch and drain (or thaw and squeeze moisture from frozen spinach) Mix with some garlic, chopped onion, beaten eggs, Parmesan, bread crumbs. Get to consistency of a soft clay, make into patties and grill up like pancakes. Makes a great brunch or side dish and freezes well, so you can make lots and then nuke them when you need them (also works well with Swiss Chard)

Put fresh spinach down center of a tortilla, smear some hummus over the flat bread, toss in some chopped tomatoes, onions, olives -what ever suits your tastes- and roll for a healthy and wonderful wrap

And havocdad's favorite: Spinach lasagna. Just add layers of chopped spinach seasoned with some garlic into your fav lasagna recipe

Tomorrow I will dig up my spinach souffle recipe. It is good and can be made ahead in either of two stages then frozen for those times a bumper crop comes in at the ol garden

[ashling]

35. I eats me spinach right out of the can

hyuck, hyuck, hyuck!

[grasswire]

36. cram a big saucepan with fresh spinach

...as much as you can get in. Add a bit of butter and sprinkle with a half teaspoonful of curry powder. Put on a medium burner and after a moment add a TBspoon of water to the pan and cover. Check it after another moment -- that spinach is going to shrink an amazing amount. Stir until it's all wilted.

And if you want it like creamed spinach, add a grating of fresh nutmeg and a drip of heavy cream.

I love this spinach alongside chicken cooked with Soy Vay Island Teriyaki sauce.