Steaming Spinach: A Healthy, Quick Cooking Method

Spinach is a versatile and nutritious food that can be enjoyed raw or cooked. One popular way to cook spinach is by steaming it, which is a simple and quick process that preserves the vegetable's health benefits. Steaming spinach can be done on the stove or in the microwave, and only takes a few minutes. This cooking method is gentle and helps to wilt the spinach leaves without drying them out or making them mushy. The steamed spinach can then be seasoned with butter, lemon juice, garlic, or other herbs and spices to enhance its flavour.

How to steam spinach on the stove

Yes, you can steam spinach on the stove. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Wash and dry the spinach: Place the spinach in a colander and rinse it under cool, running water. You can also add the spinach to a bowl and swish it around in a small amount of water. Then, pat the spinach dry with a clean paper towel. It should be slightly damp, but not dripping wet.
• Prepare your saucepan: Pour two tablespoons of water into a medium-sized saucepan. Make sure the saucepan is large enough to hold all of your spinach without cramming it in. If you have a lot of spinach, you may need to cook it in batches.
• Cook the spinach: Place the saucepan over medium heat on the stove. Add the spinach to the saucepan and cook until it is slightly wilted and soft. This usually takes around five minutes, depending on the amount of spinach you are cooking. Toss the spinach occasionally with a pair of tongs to ensure even cooking.
• Transfer the spinach to a colander: Use a slotted spoon to remove the spinach from the saucepan and place it in a colander. Gently shake the colander over the sink to remove any excess water.
• Serve the spinach: You can serve the steamed spinach as a side dish. Season it with herbs, lemon juice, butter, salt, pepper, or garlic powder to taste. Steamed spinach goes well with meat, chicken, seafood, or other main dishes.
• Store leftovers: Leftover steamed spinach can be stored in the fridge for 3-5 days. Place the spinach in a sealed container or wrap it in a paper towel and store it in a plastic bag.

How to steam spinach in the microwave

Yes, you can steam spinach in the microwave. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Wash the spinach leaves. Place the spinach in a colander and rinse thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or contaminants. If you don't have a colander, you can put the spinach in a bowl and swish it around in a small amount of water.

Step 2: Dry the spinach. After washing, use paper towels to pat the spinach dry. It doesn't need to be completely dry, but you don't want it dripping wet.

Step 3: Prepare the spinach for microwaving. Place the spinach in a microwave-safe serving bowl. Make sure the bowl is large enough that the spinach fits comfortably without being crammed in. If you have a lot of spinach, you may need to cook it in batches.

Step 4: Cover the bowl. Use a microwave-safe lid or plate to cover the bowl. This is important to trap the steam and ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Microwave on high. Microwave the spinach in 3- to 7-minute intervals, depending on the amount you're cooking. For a small amount, try 3-minute intervals, and for a larger batch, go for 7-minute intervals. Keep an eye on it, and when the spinach is limp, wilted slightly, and bright green, it's done.

Step 6: Squeeze out excess moisture (optional). If your recipe calls for drier spinach, gently squeeze the cooked spinach to remove excess water. You can save this green water and use it later in a soup for added nutrients.

Step 7: Serve. Your steamed spinach is now ready to be served as a side dish or added to other recipes. Season with salt, pepper, lemon juice, or your favourite herbs.

Tips for Steaming Spinach in the Microwave:

• Always use a microwave-safe bowl and cover.
• Adjust the cooking time depending on the amount of spinach and the power of your microwave.
• Be careful not to overcook the spinach, as it can quickly turn mushy and lose its vibrant colour.
• If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge for 3-5 days.

How to store steamed spinach

Once you've steamed your spinach, you'll want to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for 3-5 days.

If you've cooked a large batch, you can also freeze it. First, let it cool to room temperature, then place it in a freezer-safe zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Frozen spinach will keep for up to a year.

• Use paper towels to absorb moisture: Spinach has a high water content, and moisture speeds up the decaying process. Before storing, gently wrap fresh spinach in a paper towel or place a layer of paper towels at the bottom of your container. Change out the paper towel if it becomes too wet.
• Use an airtight container: Exposure to ethylene gas from fruits like bananas and apples will cause spinach to go bad more quickly.
• Don't overcook: Minimally cooked spinach tastes best, and overcooking separates the moisture from the leaves, resulting in a mushy texture.

How to prepare spinach before steaming

Preparing spinach for steaming is a simple process that can be done in a few easy steps. Here is a guide on how to prepare spinach before steaming:

Wash the Spinach

Firstly, it is important to wash your spinach thoroughly before cooking. Place the spinach in a colander and rinse it under running water, ensuring that any dirt or contaminants are removed. You can also fill a large bowl with cold water, plunge the spinach leaves into it, and swish them around, changing the water if it becomes too dirty. This step is especially important if you are using flat-leaf spinach, which tends to have more dirt and debris. Even if you are using pre-washed spinach, it is a good idea to give it a quick rinse to eliminate any harmful bacteria.

Remove the Stems (Optional)

If you are using larger spinach varieties, such as flat-leaf or curly-leaf spinach, you may want to remove the stems as they can be tough. You can do this by using a knife to cut them off or by holding the leaf in one hand and pulling the stems down and off with the other. However, if you are using baby spinach, you can leave the stems on as they are usually more tender.

Dry the Spinach

After washing the spinach, use a clean paper towel to pat the leaves dry. They don't need to be completely dry, but you don't want them dripping wet. Alternatively, if you plan to sauté the spinach after steaming, you can use a salad spinner to ensure the leaves are thoroughly dried.

Choose Your Cooking Method

Now that your spinach is clean and ready to go, it's time to decide how you want to cook it. You can steam spinach on the stove, in the microwave, or even in a steamer basket if you have one. Each method will give you slightly different results, so choose the one that best fits your preferences and equipment.

Stove-Top Steaming

For stove-top steaming, you will need a medium-sized saucepan with a lid. Add two tablespoons of water to the pan and place it on medium heat. Make sure your saucepan is big enough to accommodate all your spinach without cramming it in, as this will affect how evenly it cooks. Add the spinach to the pan and cook until it is slightly wilted and bright green, which should take around five minutes. You can toss the spinach with tongs to ensure even cooking.

Microwave Steaming

If you prefer to use the microwave, place your washed and dried spinach in a microwave-safe serving bowl. Again, ensure that the bowl is large enough to accommodate the spinach comfortably without cramming it in. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plate and cook in 3 to 7-minute intervals, depending on the amount of spinach. The spinach is ready when it is limp, wilted, and bright green.

Steamer Basket (Optional)

If you have a steamer basket, you can use it to steam your spinach. Simply follow the instructions for your steamer, adding water to the bottom of the pot and placing the spinach in the basket. This method also works well for large batches of spinach.

Now that your spinach is prepared and ready to cook, you can move on to the steaming process. Remember to keep an eye on your spinach while it cooks, as over-steaming can result in mushy, unappetizing greens. With these steps, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a delicious and healthy side dish!

What to serve with steamed spinach

Steamed spinach is a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of main courses. Here are some ideas on what to serve with steamed spinach:

Seafood

Steaming is a gentle cooking method that goes well with seafood. Steamed spinach can be served with seared scallops, a seafood sauté, pan-fried salmon, or garlic butter shrimp. The combination of steamed spinach and seafood creates a light and healthy meal.

Meat

Steamed spinach is not just for seafood, it also pairs well with chicken, beef, or pork. You can serve it with grilled chicken breasts, a beef stir-fry, or pork chops. The simplicity of steamed spinach complements the flavours of meat without overwhelming them.

Eggs

For a vegetarian option, steamed spinach can be served with eggs. Try it with a spinach and feta cheese omelette, or a vegetable frittata. The iron and protein in this combination make for a nutritious and satisfying meal.

Grains and Pulses

For a more substantial meal, steamed spinach can be served with grains and pulses. Try it with quinoa and spinach pilaf, lentil salad, or spinach and orzo salad. The combination of steamed spinach and grains provides a balance of nutrients and textures.

Other Vegetables

Steamed spinach can be served with other vegetables to create a colourful and nutritious dish. Try it with roasted vegetables such as carrots, peppers, and aubergine, or steamed vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, and cauliflower. The variety of colours, flavours, and textures will make your meal exciting and healthy.

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