Spinach sauce with mixed vegetables

Spinach sauce with mixed vegetables

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Welcome to our kitchen filled with aromas and colors! Today we will prepare a delicious and healthy spinach sauce with mixed vegetables, perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. This creamy sauce is an excellent way to add vegetables to your diet and is a simple recipe that you can adapt to your family's tastes. Let's get started!

A brief history of spinach sauce

Spinach sauce has deep roots in gastronomy, being appreciated for thousands of years for its unique flavor and nutritional benefits. Spinach is a plant rich in vitamins and minerals, offering numerous health benefits. It can be used in various dishes, from soups and salads to creamy sauces. Today, we will focus on a simple yet exceptionally tasty recipe that can quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients

For the sauce
- 150 g frozen or fresh spinach
- 1 small onion (optional: green onion for a fresh taste)
- 100 ml sour cream
- 200 g cow or sheep cheese
- Juice of half a lemon
- Salt and ground pepper, to taste
- 2 crushed garlic cloves
- 1 black bread roll (transformed into a bowl)

For the platter
- 300 g broccoli
- 300 g cauliflower
- 1 bell pepper: red and yellow
- 200 g cherry tomatoes
- Green salad, to preference
- 100 g pork tenderloin (optional, for extra flavor)

Preparation

1. Preparing the spinach
If using frozen spinach, thaw it and let it drain well. If opting for fresh spinach, wash it thoroughly under running water, then blanch it in hot salted water for 5 minutes. This method will preserve its vibrant color and essential nutrients.

2. Blending the ingredients
In a blender or using an immersion mixer, add the spinach (thawed or blanched), sour cream, cheese, onion (if you want a more intense flavor, use green onion), and lemon juice. Blend until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.

3. Seasoning
Add the crushed garlic cloves, salt, and pepper to taste. The flavor of the sauce should be balanced, so feel free to adjust the seasonings. If you want a more tangy sauce, add a bit more lemon juice.

4. Preparing the roll
To transform the black bread roll into a bowl, cut off the top and scoop out the inside, leaving a thin wall. This will become the perfect vessel for the creamy spinach sauce.

5. Preparing the platter
For the platter, you have two options. You can serve the vegetables raw, keeping them crunchy and full of vitamins, or you can blanch them in boiling water for no more than 5 minutes. I highly recommend keeping them raw to benefit from all the nutrients and achieve a crunchy texture.

6. Heating the pork tenderloin
If you choose to add pork tenderloin, slice it thinly and sauté it briefly in a pan until golden. This will add extra flavor to the dish and enhance the platter.

7. Assembling
Fill the roll with the spinach sauce and arrange the vegetables on the platter alongside the pork tenderloin, if you chose to include it. You can also add other preferred vegetables, such as cucumbers or radishes, for extra color and texture.

Serving suggestions and variations

This spinach sauce with mixed vegetables pairs perfectly with different types of bread, as well as with savory crackers or croutons. You can also use it as a filling for sandwiches or as a base for a healthy salad.

If you want to experiment, add various spices, such as nutmeg or chili flakes, to give the sauce an extra flavor boost. You can also replace cow cheese with feta cheese for a more intense taste.

Nutritional benefits

Spinach is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and calcium. Consuming it can help maintain eye health, strengthen the immune system, and improve bone health. Additionally, the fresh vegetables on the platter provide plenty of fiber and antioxidants, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use dried spinach?
It is not recommended, as dried spinach will not provide the same texture or flavor. Always choose fresh or frozen spinach.

- What can I substitute for cow cheese?
You can use feta or ricotta cheese, depending on personal preferences.

- Can the sauce be prepared in advance?
Yes, the spinach sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Be sure to cover it well to prevent oxidation.

Conclusion

This spinach sauce with mixed vegetables recipe is not only healthy but also extremely versatile. Experiment with different combinations of vegetables and cheeses to find the perfect blend for your tastes. Enjoy your meal and remember to savor every bite!