Spinach with tomato sauce

Spinach with Tomato Sauce: A Nutrient-Packed Delicacy

How often do we wish to indulge in a delicious yet healthy meal? Spinach with tomato sauce is a simple yet flavorful dish that will surprise you with its intense taste and nutritional benefits. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also versatile, suitable to be served as a main dish or as a side. Let’s discover together how to make this delicious recipe!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For Spinach:
- 1 kg fresh spinach
- 1 onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon of hot paprika
- 5-6 tablespoons of olive oil
- 200 ml vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste

For Tomato Sauce:
- 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4-5 large, juicy tomatoes
- 200 ml tomato juice
- 2 green onions
- 1-2 garlic cloves
- 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparing the Spinach

1. Wash the Spinach: Start by cleaning the spinach, removing any wilted or damaged leaves. Rinse it well under cold running water, changing the water a few times to ensure no impurities remain.

2. Blanch the Spinach: Place a pot of water on the stove and add a teaspoon of salt. When the water begins to boil, add the spinach leaves. Blanch them for 2-3 minutes – do not leave them too long as they will become soft and lose their flavor.

3. Drain and Chop the Spinach: Use a slotted spoon to remove the spinach from the water and place it in a colander to drain. Once it has cooled slightly, chop it finely with a wooden cutting board. This method ensures a more pleasant texture, avoiding a mushy consistency.

Preparing the Sauce

4. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a deep pan, add 5-6 tablespoons of olive oil and let it heat up. Peel and finely chop the onion. Add it to the pan, along with the crushed garlic cloves. Sauté over medium heat until they become translucent, being careful not to brown them.

5. Add the Vegetable Broth and Spinach: Pour the 200 ml of vegetable broth into the pan, along with the hot paprika. Once the mixture begins to boil, add the chopped spinach. Season with salt and pepper to taste and let it simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, until the liquid reduces.

Preparing the Tomato Sauce

6. Prepare the Tomato Sauce: In a separate pot, heat 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion and garlic, along with the rosemary and bay leaf. Cover with a lid and let it sweat over low heat for about 5 minutes, until the onion becomes soft.

7. Add the Tomatoes: Add the peeled and diced tomatoes, then sprinkle a teaspoon of sugar and let it simmer on low heat for 5 minutes. Add the tomato juice and cook until the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper, then remove the bay leaf and rosemary sprig.

Assembling the Dish

8. Final Combination: You can choose to mix the tomato sauce with the spinach and bring everything to a boil, or you can serve the sauce alongside the spinach to keep each flavor distinct.

Serving

Serve the dish warm, alongside a slice of fresh bread or a portion of rice. Spinach with tomato sauce pairs wonderfully with a green salad, adding a touch of freshness to the meal. A personal suggestion would be to sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top for a creamy and rich flavor.

Tips and Tricks

- Frozen Spinach: If you can't find fresh spinach, you can use frozen spinach. Make sure to thaw and drain it well before using.

- Tomato Sauce: This sauce can also be used for pasta or pizza, so make it in larger quantities and store it in the fridge for those days when you need a quick meal.

- Vegan Option: This recipe is already vegan, but it can be enriched with other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for added texture and flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

Spinach is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, being rich in vitamin K, vitamin A, and folic acid. It is also low in calories, making it ideal for a healthy diet. Tomatoes add a boost of antioxidants, being rich in lycopene, which contributes to heart health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it necessary to clean the spinach?
Yes, it is important to wash the spinach well to remove any impurities or insects.

Can I add other ingredients to this dish?
Of course! You can add vegetables like carrots or zucchini, or even proteins like tofu to make it more substantial.

What is the best way to store leftovers?
Keep the dish in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave, but to preserve the texture, it’s better to heat it on the stove over low heat.

Now that you’ve learned how to prepare this delicious spinach with tomato sauce, don’t hesitate to try the recipe at home! It will surely delight you and bring a touch of health to your meals. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 kg fresh spinach, 1 onion, 2 cloves of garlic, 1 teaspoon of hot paprika, 5-6 tablespoons of olive oil, 200 ml vegetable broth, salt, ground pepper. For the tomato sauce: 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil, 4-5 large juicy tomatoes, 200 ml tomato juice, 2 green onions, 1-2 cloves of garlic, 1 sprig of fresh rosemary, 1 bay leaf, 1 teaspoon of sugar, salt, ground pepper.

 Tags:  spinach dish