Spinach dish

Spinach - A Nutrient-Packed Green Delicacy

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

If you're looking for a simple yet flavorful recipe that showcases a wonderful ingredient like spinach, you're in the right place! This spinach dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Spinach is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, being rich in iron, vitamin K, vitamin A and antioxidants. So let's get to work!

Your ingredients for this healthy recipe:

- 2 lbs fresh spinach
- 1 large carrot
- 1 capia pepper (preferably red for extra color)
- 1 medium onion
- 2-3 cloves garlic
- 1 bunch green parsley
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 tsp vegeta (or salt to taste)
- 200 g tomato paste (broth)

Ingredient tips:

- Spinach: Choose fresh spinach with firm green leaves. Make sure it doesn't have spots or yellowed leaves. If you can't find fresh spinach, you can use frozen spinach, but the cooking time will be significantly reduced.
- Carrots: Carrots bring a sweet taste, but also a vitamin boost. You can also use baby carrots to add a prettier look to the dish.
- Garlic: It's essential for flavor. If you like a stronger flavor, you can add more garlic cloves.
- Spices: Curry and sweet paprika not only enrich the taste, but also add a nice tint of color. Experiment with other spices such as cumin or turmeric.

A bit of history:

Spinach has been a prized ingredient for centuries, with a long tradition in various culinary cultures. This versatile vegetable can be used in a wide variety of dishes, from soups and salads to cooked dishes. Spinach has deep roots in popular gastronomy and is often considered a comfort dish, ideal served with a side of porridge or a slice of fresh bread.

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the spinach: Start by washing the spinach well under cold running water to remove any impurities. Then place it in a large pot of boiling salted water. Boil the spinach for about 10 minutes, until the leaves are soft. After boiling, drain the spinach in a sieve and let it cool slightly. Once cool, chop coarsely.

2. Sauté the vegetables: In a large skillet, add a little olive oil or butter. Sauté the finely chopped onion over medium heat until translucent and beginning to brown. Next, add the crushed garlic and cook for about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it as it becomes bitter.

3. Add the carrot and pepper: Add the grated carrot and chopped bell pepper to the pan. Cook them together for 5-7 minutes, until slightly soft. This blend of vegetables will add delicious flavor and textural contrast.

4. Stir in the spinach: Now it's time to add the chopped spinach to the skillet. Mix all the ingredients well and add a couple of lad ladles of the water in which the spinach has been cooking. This will help to get a richer consistency and intensify the flavors.

5. Season the dish: Add the curry powder, sweet paprika, vege (or salt) and mix well. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to combine.

6. Add the stock: Once the vegetables are cooked, add the tomato paste and chopped parsley. Stir well and simmer for another 5 minutes to allow all the flavors to combine perfectly.

Serving suggestions:

The spinach dip can be served warm, alongside a side of porridge or as a garnish next to a juicy steak. A dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream can add a creamy contrast, balancing the taste of the vegetables. If you want to impress, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or chopped walnuts on top for added texture.

Vegetarian and vegan version:

This recipe is already vegetarian, but you can turn the dish vegan by omitting any dairy. You can also experiment with tofu or tempeh, adding them to the vegetable mixture for extra protein.

Calories and nutritional benefits:

One serving of spinach (about 200g) has around 150-200 calories, depending on the amount of oil or butter used. Spinach is an excellent source of antioxidants, supporting eye health, immune system and bone health. Carrots provide extra beta-carotene, essential for healthy skin and vision.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use frozen spinach? Yes, frozen spinach is a good alternative, but be sure to thaw and drain well before use.
- How can I store spinach food? It keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days and the flavor becomes even more intense the next day!
- Can it be frozen? Yes, spinach can be frozen. Make sure you let it cool completely before putting it in airtight containers.

Now that you've got all the information you need, all that's left to do is put on your cooking clothes and enjoy this delicious spinach dish recipe! Whether you serve it as a main course or a side dish, this dish will bring a dash of greenery and health to your plate. Enjoy!