Spinach in the Kitchen

Spinach is an extremely versatile vegetable that is a staple for many home cooks! This delicately-flavored low-carb leafy green can be consumed both raw and cooked and can be added to all sorts of dishes—the possibilities for spinach recipes are endless! It’s a great way to boost the nutrition of any meal or dish. Whether you are starting with bunches of fresh spinach, frozen spinach, or baby spinach, spinach leaves work great in all your favorite delicious recipes like casseroles, stir-fries, frittatas, chili, dips, scrambled eggs, taco meat, pasta dishes, salads, and more.

Pureed spinach works great in smoothies and soups, where you can pack in several servings and it essentially just “disappears.” You can even freeze smoothies into ice pops for a summer treat—great for kids! Adding spinach to baked goods is another way to up your veggie intake. You won’t be able to taste it, and it can actually help keep your treats moist. This may even be a way to get spinach into the diet of the pickiest eaters!

Pro tip: Pair spinach with a vitamin C-rich food—like lemon juice or bell peppers—to help your body absorb more of its iron.

Wondering how to cook spinach? It’s really easy! As a side dish, steamed, lightly braised, or sautéed spinach recipes are great options. Braising simply means cooking with both fat and liquid. This is a simple, quick, versatile, and delicious way to prepare leafy greens in general. If you’re sauteeing, all you need is a little bit of olive oil, garlic cloves (or minced garlic), salt, and black pepper mixed together on the stovetop at medium-high heat for an easy recipe. All of these techniques require short cook times, but they greatly reduce the volume of greens, helping you boost your intake without feeling overwhelmed!

If you’re starting with frozen spinach, be sure to squeeze out the excess water before adding it to your dish to prevent sogginess. Frozen spinach is perfect for creamy spinach recipes, artichoke dips, or folded into a zucchini pasta dish. Just thaw, drain, and you’re ready to go. For extra flavor in fresh spinach recipes, try sautéing with shallots or finishing with grated parmesan for a slightly crispy, savory twist.

Want to prep ahead? Blanching spinach is a quick way to tame large volumes for future use. Drop the spinach into boiling water for 30–60 seconds, then transfer to cold water to stop the cooking. Once cooled, squeeze out any excess water and store in an airtight container for later. Blanched spinach is ideal for adding to pasta sauces, casseroles, or egg dishes.

With such a short total time required to cook and so many different ways to use it, spinach is truly a kitchen MVP. From stir-fries and creamy sides to smoothies and baked goods, there’s a spinach method for every taste and every meal.