Steamed spinach is great for making a healthy side dish quickly and easily on the stove or using the microwave. When cooked, they can be eaten immediately or stored. If you have leftovers, be sure to consume them before they spoil.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Cooking on the stove
Step 1. Before cooking and consuming them, spinach should always be washed to remove all contaminants
Put them in a colander and let tap water run to make them wet slightly. Don't have a colander? You can put them in a bowl and shake them with one hand while the water flows.
Dry them with kitchen paper. It is not necessary to dry them completely, but make sure they do not drip
Step 2. Pour 2 tablespoons of water into a medium-sized saucepan
You don't need to use more, as spinach already contains water. Choose a pot large enough for the amount of vegetables to cook. Avoid cramming spinach in it. If it is too small, it will not cook evenly.
- Cook the spinach over medium heat.
- If you don't have a large pot, divide the spinach into 2 groups and cook them separately.
Step 3. Cook the spinach
Cook them until they are wilted and softened. This process generally takes about 5 minutes, although it can take longer or shorter depending on the amount of spinach to be cooked. Once they are soft and bright green, remove the pot from the heat.
- It is not necessary to cover them during cooking. However, stir them with tongs to make sure they cook evenly.
- Move them to a colander using a skimmer.
Step 4. Serve the spinach
Gently shake the colander over the sink to remove excess water. If desired, season the vegetables. Steamed spinach goes well with herbs and lemon juice. They are an excellent side dish for many dishes, such as meat-based ones.
Leftovers can be kept in the fridge
Method 2 of 3: Cooking in the Microwave Oven
Step 1. Wash the spinach leaves to remove all contaminants
You can put them in a colander and let the tap water run. Alternatively, place them in a bowl, fill it with water, and wash them like this.
Once washed, dab them with sheets of kitchen paper. They don't have to be completely dry, but neither should they drain
Step 2. Place the spinach in a microwave-safe bowl that is large enough to accommodate all the vegetables
Do not cram them into the container.
- Put the spinach in the bowl. If it's not large enough, divide them into 2 groups and cook them separately.
- Cover the bowl. If you don't have a container with a lid, use one that can be easily covered with a plate (also suitable for the microwave).
Step 3. Cook them on maximum at 3-7 minute intervals
If you have little spinach, cook it at 3 minute intervals, and if more, at 7 minute intervals. Check if they are cooked and, if necessary, let them cook a little longer. Make sure the microwave is set to maximum.
- When cooked, the spinach should be soft, wilted and bright green.
- If the recipe calls for it, gently squeeze out the excess water and store it in another bowl - you can use it to make soup.
Step 4. Serve the spinach after removing excess water
You can serve them as a side dish, especially if you need vegetables to accompany a protein-based dish. If they are left over, keep them in the fridge.
Method 3 of 3: Storing the Spinach
Step 1. Use kitchen paper and plastic bags
Roll the spinach into paper towels, then place them in a plastic bag. Store them in the fridge - the paper should absorb excess water. This way you can preserve the spinach without it wilting.
Step 2. Use a plastic container
Line it with kitchen paper, store the spinach, close it and put it in the fridge. This will keep them fresh.
Make sure you use a container large enough to hold all the spinach. If you cram them, they will become mushy during the storage period
Step 3. Discard the spoiled spinach
Keeping them in the fridge will last around 3-5 days, so be sure to eat them within this time frame. If you can't finish them, throw them away once they have gone bad.
