Having Fun With Spinach

Popeye Was A Fan Of Spinach, And You Should Be Too.

© Kristen Putch

Apr 5, 2009

Spinach is an ingredient that can be used in several types of cuisine, adding a great flavor and color to your dishes. On top of that, it is extremely good for you. Spinach is an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin A, manganese, folate, magnesium, iron, vitamin C, vitamin B2, calcium, potassium, and vitamin B6. It is a very good source of dietary fiber, copper, protein, phosphorus, zinc and vitamin E. In addition, it is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, niacin and selenium.

Here are some great recipes for our leafy green friend.

Spinach Marie

PREP TIME: 10 Minutes

COOK TIME: 30 Minutes

READY IN: 40 Minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3/4 pound Cheddar cheese, cubed
• 3 (10 ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine milk, dry mustard and garlic salt. Bring to a slow boil and simmer for 2 minutes.
3. In a small skillet or saucepan heat 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Saute onion until browned; stir into milk.
4. In a small skillet or saucepan combine 3 tablespoons melted butter with flour. Cook over medium-low heat until thickened; stir into milk.
5. Add the Cheddar cheese to the milk mixture, mixing well to melt. Stir in spinach. Pour mixture into a 9x13 inch casserole dish and sprinkle with Monterey Jack cheese.
6. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until heated through.

Easy Spinach Casserole

INGREDIENTS

• 2 (10 ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
• 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
• 1 cup dried bread crumbs, seasoned

DIRECTIONS

1. Thaw spinach and squeeze out water. Soften cream cheese.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine spinach, cream cheese and seasoning salt. Mix well and spoon into 2 quart casserole dish.
3. Sprinkle with bread crumbs and bake at 350 degrees F (175 degree C) for 20 minutes.

Spinach and Pasta Shells

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound seashell pasta
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 7 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes (optional)
• salt to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and spinach and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until pasta is al dente; drain and reserve.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes; saute for 5 minutes or until the garlic turns light gold. Add cooked pasta and spinach to the skillet and mix well. Season with salt and toss; serve.

Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast

PREP TIME: 15 Minutes

COOK TIME: 45 Minutes

READY IN: 1 Hour

INGREDIENTS

• 1 (10 ounce) package fresh spinach leaves
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup shredded pepperjack cheese
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - pounded to 1/2 inch thickness
• 1 pinch ground black pepper
• 8 slices bacon

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Place spinach in a large glass bowl, and heat in the microwave for 3 minutes, stirring every minute or so, or until wilted. Stir in sour cream, pepperjack cheese, and garlic.
3. Lay the chicken breasts out on a clean surface, and spoon some of the spinach mixture onto each one. Roll up chicken to enclose the spinach, then wrap each chicken breast with two slices of bacon. Secure with toothpicks, and arrange in a shallow baking dish.
4. Bake uncovered for 35 minutes in the preheated oven, then increase heat to 500 degrees F (260 degrees C), or use the oven's broiler to cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes to brown the bacon.

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