Spinach
Vegetable🌱 Peak in spring
Used in 13 of 45 cuisines (29%)
A pop of color and health in any dish, spinach is the leaf that never fails you.
Vibrant green leaves with a tender, slightly metallic taste; spinach is a powerhouse of nutrients, offering a fresh, earthy flavor that lightens dishes. Its delicate texture wilts beautifully in warm preparations.
Where it comes from
Spinach is believed to have originated in Persia, later spreading to Europe in the Middle Ages, where it became a staple of healthy diets.
In the kitchen
Used fresh in salads or cooked in dishes like spanakopita, spinach adds both nutritional value and a pleasing color contrast, enhancing the overall dish.
Nutrition (per 100g)
71kcalCal
3.5gProtein
1.2gFat
4.1gCarbs
1.8gFiber
Pairs well with
Feta Cheese
Crumble feta over warm spinach. The cheese's tang cuts through the green's earthiness, melting slightly for a creamy finish.
Garlic
Sauté garlic in olive oil before adding spinach. The garlic's sharpness lifts the spinach, making it savory and aromatic.
Nutmeg
A pinch of nutmeg in creamed spinach adds warmth and depth. Its subtle spice complements the creaminess beautifully.
Paneer
Sauté spinach until wilted, then add paneer. The creamy paneer balances spinach's earthy depth. Cook until paneer is just heated through.
Ricotta Cheese
Blanch spinach briefly, then mix with ricotta. The green's earthiness lifts the cheese's creamy sweetness.
sesame seeds
Toss spinach with toasted sesame seeds. The seeds' crunch and nutty aroma enhance the fresh, green notes of spinach.
