Steaming Spinach: Using A Pressure Cooker For Quick, Easy Greens

Steaming spinach in a pressure cooker is a quick and easy way to prepare a healthy side dish. This cooking method helps to retain the vegetable's colour, flavour, and nutrients. It is also a time-saving option for busy individuals. To steam spinach in a pressure cooker, start by rinsing the spinach thoroughly and placing it in the appliance with a small amount of water. Secure the lid, and cook for 1-2 minutes. Once done, carefully release the steam, open the lid, and serve the spinach immediately.

Wash spinach and remove tough stems

To prepare spinach for steaming in a pressure cooker, you'll want to start by giving it a good wash. Fill your sink with cold water and submerge the spinach, swishing it around to remove any dirt or impurities. You can also use a colander for easy rinsing. Spinach tends to be quite gritty, so be sure to rinse it thoroughly.

Once your spinach is clean, shake off any excess water. You can do this by placing the colander under running water and then shaking it gently, or by agitating the spinach with your hands while it's submerged in the sink. You want to remove as much water as possible at this stage, as excess water can make your steamed spinach soggy.

Now it's time to tackle those tough stems. Spinach stems are edible and can be left on, but they tend to be fibrous and may not soften during the short steaming process. To remove them, simply pluck or cut them away from the leaves. You can do this before or after washing the spinach, whichever you find easier.

Once your spinach is clean, dry, and stem-free, you're ready to start steaming!

Add water to the pressure cooker

Adding water to the pressure cooker is a crucial step in steaming spinach. Here is a detailed guide on this process:

Firstly, understand the ratio of water to spinach. The general rule is to use about 1/4 cup of water for every pound of spinach. This can be adjusted according to your preference for the final texture of the spinach. If you like your spinach drier, slightly reduce the amount of water.

Next, pour the appropriate amount of water into your pressure cooker. If you are using an Instant Pot, simply pour the measured water into the inner pot. If you are using a different type of pressure cooker, ensure the water is added according to the manufacturer's instructions.

After adding the water, it's important to prepare the spinach. Start by rinsing the spinach thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or impurities. You can use a colander for convenient rinsing. Once the spinach is clean, shake off any excess water. This step ensures that your spinach is ready for the steaming process.

Now, it's time to add the spinach to the pressure cooker. Place the desired amount of spinach into the pressure cooker. If you are using an Instant Pot, put the spinach into the stainless steel insert. Ensure that the spinach is spread out evenly to facilitate even cooking.

At this point, you can also add seasonings to enhance the flavor of your steamed spinach. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of garlic powder can be added before cooking. These additions will give your spinach a tangy or savory kick, making it even more delicious.

Once the spinach and seasonings are in the pressure cooker, it's ready to be steamed. Securely close the lid of your pressure cooker, ensuring that the steam release valve is set to the sealing position. This step is crucial to allow pressure and steam to build up inside the cooker, ensuring effective steaming.

With the lid securely closed, you can now select the appropriate settings for steaming. For an Instant Pot, select the "Steam" function and set the cooking time. A quick cooking time of 1-2 minutes is usually sufficient for spinach to become tender while retaining its vibrant color. Adjust the time as needed, depending on the quantity of spinach and your desired texture.

In conclusion, adding water to the pressure cooker is a fundamental step in steaming spinach. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your spinach is cooked effectively while retaining its nutritional value and appealing appearance. Enjoy your perfectly steamed spinach as a healthy and delicious side dish or incorporate it into your favorite recipes!

Set the pressure cooker to high pressure

Setting the pressure cooker to high pressure is an important step in the process of steaming spinach. This step ensures that the spinach cooks thoroughly and quickly, retaining its nutritional value and vibrant colour. Here is a detailed guide on how to set your pressure cooker to high pressure for steaming spinach:

Firstly, it is important to understand the functions of your pressure cooker. Most modern pressure cookers, such as the Instant Pot, have a "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" button that allows you to activate the high-pressure setting. This button is usually located on the control panel of the pressure cooker.

Before setting the pressure cooker to high pressure, ensure that you have added the required amount of water to the cooker. For steaming spinach, the general guideline is to use about 1/4 cup of water for every pound of spinach. However, if you prefer your spinach to be less watery, you can reduce the amount of water slightly.

Now, it's time to set the pressure cooker to high pressure. Press the "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" button, and then use the corresponding buttons to set the desired cooking time. For steaming spinach, a shorter cooking time is recommended, usually ranging from 0 to 4 minutes. The cooking time depends on the quantity of spinach and your desired texture.

Once you have set the cooking time, ensure that the lid of the pressure cooker is securely closed and the steam release valve is set to the sealing position. This step is crucial to ensure that the pressure cooker can build up pressure and cook the spinach effectively.

After setting the pressure cooker to high pressure and securing the lid and valve, you can turn on the cooker and let it do its magic. The cooking process will initiate, and the cooker will build up steam and pressure to cook the spinach. The duration will depend on the set cooking time and the features of your pressure cooker.

During the cooking process, the pressure cooker will reach high pressure, and you will notice that the steam release valve is in the sealing position, with no steam escaping. The cooker will maintain this pressure throughout the set cooking time, ensuring that the spinach is cooked evenly and efficiently.

Once the cooking time has elapsed, the pressure cooker will automatically switch to the "Keep Warm" function on some models, or it may beep to indicate that it is done. At this point, carefully perform a quick release of the steam by moving the steam release valve to the venting position. Be cautious during this step as the steam will be very hot.

After releasing the steam, wait for it to escape completely before opening the lid of the pressure cooker. Then, carefully remove the steamed spinach using tongs or a slotted spoon. Your perfectly steamed spinach is now ready to be served as a nutritious and delicious side dish.

Season the spinach

Seasoning the spinach is a crucial step in elevating the flavour and making it even more enjoyable to eat. While steamed spinach is delicious on its own, adding a few simple seasonings can take it to the next level.

Firstly, it is recommended to season the spinach after steaming. This is because adding salt or other seasonings before steaming can draw out moisture, making the spinach soggy. Therefore, it is best to wait until the spinach is cooked before adding any seasonings.

Now, let's get into the specific seasonings you can use. You can start with a base of salt and pepper to taste, ensuring not to add too much salt, as this can overwhelm the delicate flavour of the spinach. From there, you can add garlic powder or freshly minced garlic to give it that extra kick. If you're looking for a tangy twist, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice will do the trick. For a hint of richness, try drizzling some olive oil over the steamed spinach.

If you're feeling adventurous, here are some more unique additions to try:

• A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy twist.
• Red pepper flakes for an extra spicy kick (add these with the olive oil and garlic).
• A dash of chilli powder or Cajun seasoning for a smoky flavour (add a tiny amount and taste as you go).
• Bacon bits or diced salted pork for a heartier, savoury dish.

Remember, the key to seasoning is to add a little at a time and taste as you go. You can always add more, but it's difficult to salvage an overseasoned dish. So, experiment with different combinations and amounts to find what suits your taste buds!

Serve with chicken or fish

There are many ways to serve steamed spinach with chicken or fish. Here are some ideas:

Spinach and Chicken

Steam your spinach in a pressure cooker as described in the previous steps. For the chicken, you can butterfly chicken breasts and stuff them with a mixture of sautéed spinach, garlic, crumbled feta cheese, and a touch of lemon zest. Secure the chicken with toothpicks, then sear in a hot pan until golden on both sides. Finish cooking the chicken in the oven. This dish goes well with roasted vegetables or a simple salad.

Alternatively, you can make a Caprese chicken dish. Stuff chicken breasts with sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, and spinach for an Italian-inspired meal.

You can also try the famous Tuscan chicken, which involves tossing crispy bacon, spinach, chicken breasts, and spaghetti in a creamy Tuscan sauce.

If you're looking for a more indulgent option, try the creamy spinach and pearl onion recipe. This involves a creamy dish with spinach and pearl onions, which can be served alongside chicken.

For a lighter option, you can serve steamed spinach with grilled chicken. Simply grill or bake some chicken breasts or thighs and pair them with the steamed spinach. Add some lemon wedges and your favorite spices for extra flavor.

Spinach and Fish

Spinach also pairs well with fish. You can try the creamy Cajun-stuffed salmon, where you blacken and stuff salmon fillets with a creamy Cajun mixture and steamed spinach.

Another option is to make a spinach and feta-stuffed salmon. Butterfly and stuff salmon fillets with a mixture of sautéed spinach, feta, and garlic. Secure with toothpicks and bake in the oven until the fish is cooked to your desired doneness.

If you're looking for a simpler option, steamed spinach can be served alongside baked, grilled, or pan-fried fish of your choice. Add some lemon wedges and your favorite spices to enhance the flavors.

Additionally, you can explore recipes such as spinach soup, creamed spinach, or spinach artichoke dip, and serve them as sides with chicken or fish.

Frequently asked questions