Spinach puree

Spinach Purée – A Green Delight

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Spinach is a nutrient-rich vegetable, high in iron, vitamins, and minerals, providing not only important nutritional benefits but also a vibrant color on the plate. This spinach purée recipe is simple yet delivers a delicious result, perfect for accompanying various dishes or enjoyed on its own. Discover how to transform spinach into a creamy and flavorful dish that will impress with its refined taste.

Necessary ingredients:
- 1.5 kg fresh spinach (raw)
- 4-5 tablespoons olive oil (or butter for a richer taste)
- 60-70 g flour
- 10 cloves of garlic
- 200-250 ml cream or yogurt
- 500-600 ml water (in which the spinach was boiled)
- Salt and vinegar, to taste

Useful tips for ingredients:
- Choose fresh spinach with green, firm leaves. Avoid yellowed or wilted leaves.
- Olive oil can be replaced with butter for a richer flavor, but olive oil adds health benefits due to its monounsaturated fats.
- Crushed garlic adds extra flavor, but if you prefer a milder taste, feel free to reduce the amount.
- Cream can be replaced with Greek yogurt for a lighter version, but with equally good taste.

Preparation steps:

1. Washing and boiling the spinach:
Start by cleaning and thoroughly washing the spinach under cold running water, ensuring you remove any impurities. Then place it in a large pot of boiling water and cook for about 5 minutes. This process will help soften the leaves and eliminate any bitter taste.

2. Draining and puréeing:
After the spinach is cooked, drain it well but keep the water in which it was boiled. This will be the base for your purée. Use a manual food processor to turn the cooked spinach into a purée. If you prefer a less fine texture, feel free to leave some larger pieces.

3. Preparing the sauce:
In a saucepan, heat the olive oil (or butter) over medium heat. Add the flour and mix well, allowing it to lightly fry for a few minutes until it changes to a light golden color. Be careful not to let it cook too long, or it will become bitter.

4. Adding flavor:
Crush the garlic cloves and add them to the saucepan, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Let the garlic fry for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant.

5. Combining the ingredients:
Add the spinach purée to the saucepan, along with the water in which the spinach was boiled (500-600 ml). A pinch of salt will help enhance the flavor. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for 15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

6. Finalizing the dish:
After 15 minutes, add the cream or yogurt mixed with a little cold water, stirring constantly. Let it boil for a few moments, then adjust the taste with salt and vinegar. The vinegar will add a note of freshness and balance the flavors.

Serving and suggestions:
The spinach purée is served hot, making it a perfect accompaniment for fried eggs, meatballs, or fried chicken wings. You can also use it as a base for lasagna or as a filling for pies.

Possible variations:
- Add feta cheese or grated parmesan for an even more intense flavor.
- Try adding some toasted nuts or seeds for extra texture.
- For a spicy note, add some chili flakes.

Nutritional benefits:
Spinach is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folic acid and iron, positively impacting bone health and the immune system. Additionally, consuming spinach can contribute to cardiovascular health.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, frozen spinach is an excellent alternative, but make sure it is well thawed and drained before use.

2. How can I store the spinach purée?
It can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days in an airtight container. It can also be frozen for later use.

3. What kinds of side dishes go well with this purée?
Besides fried eggs, you can serve the spinach purée with grilled fish, baked chicken, or tofu dishes for a vegetarian option.

This spinach purée will not only add a splash of color to your plate but also provide a refined taste and a touch of health. Enjoy every bite and explore the various ways you can incorporate it into your meals!

 Ingredients: 1.5 kg spinach (raw) - 4-5 tablespoons olive oil - 60-70 g flour - 10 cloves of garlic - 200-250 ml sour cream or yogurt - 500-600 ml water used to boil the spinach - vinegar and salt to taste. The quantity written is enough for 8 people.