Braised Spinach Food

GARLIC SAUTEED SPINACH

Steps:

• Rinse the spinach well in cold water to make sure it's very clean. Spin it dry in a salad spinner, leaving just a little water clinging to the leaves.
• In a very large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and saute the garlic over medium heat for about 1 minute, but not until it's browned. Add all the spinach, the salt, and pepper to the pot, toss it with the garlic and oil, cover the pot, and cook it for 2 minutes. Uncover the pot, turn the heat on high, and cook the spinach for another minute, stirring with a wooden spoon, until all the spinach is wilted. Using a slotted spoon, lift the spinach to a serving bowl and top with the butter, a squeeze of lemon, and a sprinkling of sea or kosher salt. Serve hot.

BUTTER BRAISED SPINACH

Steps:

• Wash spinach well. With water clinging to leaves place in pot and cook, covered, on medium heat, for 5 to 7 minutes or until spinach is wilted.
• Drain well, rinse with cold water and squeeze out any moisture.
• Heat butter in skillet on medium heat until sizzling. Add spinach and sauté gently until spinach absorbs butter.
• Add cream and bring to boil. Cook until cream is reduced and spinach is a thick mass.
• Season well with salt and pepper.

BRAISED SPINACH WITH GARLIC, ONION, AND PINE NUTS

Steps:

• Heat a large pot or Dutch oven (it has to be large to hold spinach before wilting) over medium-high heat.
• Heat 1-2 Tbsp olive oil, and saute onion until translucent.
• Add garlic, and continue cooking until onion just begins to brown around the edges, but garlic is not browning.
• Add spinach, with just the water clinging to the leaves, adding by handfuls as the spinach wilts and makes room for more, until all of the spinach is incorporated.
• If desired, drain the rendered juices from the pan before continuing.
• Season with nutmeg, lemon zest and juice, salt, and pepper, to taste, continuing to toss spinach until it is just wilted, but still bright green.
• Stir in toasted pine nuts, and drizzle with more lemon juice and olive oil if desired.

BRAISED SPINACH AND ONION (WITH VARIATIONS)

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, combine onions and chicken broth. Cook onion until stock has reduced to 1/4 cup, about 7 - 9 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove onions from heat. Set aside.
• In a large skillet spray with Pam. With some water still clinging to the spinach, add to skillet and cook until just wilted. Remove from heat and cool slightly. Squeeze out excess liquid and chop.
• Melt butter over low heat or in microwave. Add butter, spinach to the braised onions and combine. Salt, pepper to suit taste. Place in casserole dish.
• Bake in preheated 350 oven for 20 minutes or until heated through.
• Note: If using beet greens or swiss chard, use caution with pepper.