Herb-Infused Steamed Spinach Delight
Elevate your vegetable side dishes with this vibrant Herb-Infused Steamed Spinach Delight. Perfectly steamed fresh spinach is combined with a fragrant mix of herbs, making for a flavorful and nutritious accompaniment to any meal. A splash of sherry wine vinegar adds a tart brightness that complements the earthy spinach, while the option of fresh lemon wedges provides a zesty finish. Adapted for simplicity and taste from Better Homes & Gardens magazine, this recipe is not only delicious but also a quick and easy way to enjoy leafy greens.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh Spinach
20 ounces (Prewashed and stems removed, roughly chopped if large leaves)
Fresh Parsley
1 cup (Chopped (alternative options include basil, cilantro, or watercress))
Sherry Wine Vinegar
1/4 cup (For drizzling and serving)
Salt
to taste (For seasoning)
Pepper
to taste (For seasoning)
Lemon Wedges
optional (For garnish and serving)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, insert a steamer basket and fill the pot with 1 inch of water. Bring the water to a boiling point.
2
While the water heats, prepare the spinach and herbs. If using large leaves of spinach, you may want to roughly chop them for even cooking.
3
Once the water is boiling, carefully place the spinach and herbs into the steamer basket. Cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat to medium-low, and steam for 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach is just wilted, stirring gently halfway through to ensure even cooking.
4
After steaming, carefully remove the steamer basket from the pot; allow it to drain briefly. Transfer the steamed spinach and herbs to a serving bowl.
5
Drizzle the spinach with sherry wine vinegar, sprinkling salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine the flavors.
6
Serve immediately, passing any additional vinegar at the table. For an extra burst of flavor, garnish with fresh lemon wedges if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herb-Infused Steamed Spinach Delight?
It is a vibrant and nutritious side dish featuring fresh spinach and aromatic herbs, lightly steamed and finished with sherry wine vinegar and lemon.
How much spinach is required for this recipe?
You will need 20 ounces of fresh spinach, preferably prewashed and with stems removed.
How should I prepare the spinach if the leaves are very large?
If the spinach leaves are large, it is recommended to roughly chop them to ensure even and quick cooking.
Which herbs are best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of chopped fresh parsley, but you can also use basil, cilantro, or watercress as alternatives.
How much water is needed for steaming?
Fill a large pot with approximately 1 inch of water before inserting the steamer basket.
What is the steaming time for the spinach?
The spinach and herbs should be steamed for 2 to 3 minutes until they are just wilted.
Do I need to stir the spinach while steaming?
Yes, it is recommended to stir gently halfway through the steaming process to ensure even cooking.
What type of vinegar is used for seasoning?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of sherry wine vinegar for drizzling and serving.
Is there a recommended garnish for this dish?
Yes, fresh lemon wedges are an optional but recommended garnish for an extra burst of zesty flavor.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
What heat setting should I use for steaming?
Once the water reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low while steaming the spinach.
How do I prevent the spinach from being waterlogged?
After steaming, remove the steamer basket and allow the spinach to drain briefly before transferring it to a serving bowl.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
While fresh herbs provide the best flavor and texture for steaming, you could use dried herbs in much smaller quantities, though the result will differ.
How much salt and pepper should be used?
Salt and pepper should be added to taste according to your personal preference.
Can I substitute the sherry wine vinegar?
Yes, if you do not have sherry wine vinegar, red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used as alternatives.
Is this recipe considered a quick dish?
Yes, it is categorized as a quick recipe since the steaming process takes only a few minutes.
How should this dish be served?
It should be served immediately while hot, ideally passing additional vinegar at the table.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol?
Based on the ingredients listed (spinach, herbs, vinegar, lemon), this dish is naturally cholesterol-free.
Can I use baby spinach?
Yes, baby spinach works very well and typically does not require chopping or stem removal.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 total ingredients, including the optional lemon wedges.
What is the primary cooking method for this dish?
The primary cooking method is steaming, which helps preserve the nutrients and color of the greens.
Is this dish low in calories?
Yes, steamed spinach and herbs seasoned with vinegar is a naturally low-calorie, high-fiber side dish.
Can I add other vegetables to the steamer basket?
You can, but keep in mind that other vegetables may require longer steaming times than spinach.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Can I freeze the steamed spinach?
While you can freeze it, the texture will become much softer; it is best used in soups or smoothies after freezing.
What is the best way to reheat this spinach?
Reheat gently in a pan over low heat or briefly in the microwave to avoid overcooking it further.
Can I use watercress instead of parsley?
Yes, watercress is a listed alternative and will add a nice peppery bite to the dish.
Why is the vinegar added after steaming?
Adding the vinegar after steaming prevents the acid from turning the spinach a dull gray color during the cooking process.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
What makes this dish an 'infused' delight?
The spinach is steamed directly with a large volume of fresh herbs, allowing the aromatic oils of the herbs to flavor the spinach as they wilt together.