Cooking spinach on the stove is a straightforward process. Here's a simple method to cook spinach:
Ingredients:
- Fresh spinach leaves (washed and dried)
- Olive oil or butter
- Garlic (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the spinach: Wash the spinach leaves thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
Heat the pan: Place a large skillet or frying pan on the stove over medium heat.
Add oil or butter: Once the pan is heated, add a drizzle of olive oil or a small amount of butter. You can also use a combination of both for added flavor.
Optional: Add garlic: If you like garlic, you can add some minced garlic to the pan after the oil or butter starts sizzling. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant but not browned.
Add the spinach: Add the washed and dried spinach leaves to the pan. You might need to do this in batches, as fresh spinach can take up a lot of space initially but will quickly wilt down as it cooks.
Sauté the spinach: Use tongs or a spatula to gently toss and stir the spinach in the pan. The spinach will wilt and reduce in volume as it cooks. This should only take a few minutes.
Season with salt and pepper: Once the spinach has wilted, season it with a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper to taste. Be careful not to oversalt, as the spinach will already have some natural flavor.
Remove from heat: Once the spinach is tender and wilted to your liking, remove the pan from the heat.
Serve hot: Transfer the cooked spinach to a serving dish and enjoy it as a side dish, as a base for other recipes, or simply on its own.
Cooked spinach can complement a wide variety of dishes, from pasta and rice to meat and seafood. It's a versatile and nutritious vegetable that's quick and easy to prepare on the stovetop.