Veggie of the Month: Spinach!
So...I know we're all trying to add more veggies into our diets. We're not sure what might be out there...and even if we find a new veggie, we're not sure how to cook it, what it would go well with, and whether anyone in their right mind would even try it! :lol:
Here's a place to share all that info with each other! Each month I'll post a new veggie along with information on nutritional value, how to cook it, and at least one recipe using that veggie. Then we can all add on to the thread with our experiences with that veggie, recipes we like, and more! When the month is up (or activity in the thread dies out), I'll transfer the thread to the SBD Recipe Forum Sticky list and any recipes to their respective recipe forums. Remember, if you add a recipe, try to include at least the number of servings and the nutritional information, if you can. :thanks: Posting the recipe in the forum and then linking to it in this thread gets you extra good karma. ;) ************************* This Month’s Veggie is: Spinach! There's a ton of great information on spinach at http://whfoods.org/genpage.php?tname...bid=43#summary , including this: Quote:
:chef: Recipes! :broc: A wonderful way to add spinach to your diet is to put it in salads; even the pickiest eaters among my friends have been able to do this with no problem. Eventually, work your way to having all spinach in your salad and try this recipe from Cooking Light for Spinach-Strawberry Salad with Goat-Cheese Bruschetta (P2 and 3) :jeno: A very easy way to add any type of veggie to your diet is to put it on a pizza! This is actually the first way I learned to eat many veggies, and it works especially well with spinach. Here's a recipe from Cooking Light to try, but feel free to just add spinach onto the pizza creations you make at home! Grilled Vegetable Pizza with Feta and Spinach (P2 and 3) This is a vegetarian meal, as are many veggie pizzas. Another easy way to try spinach is to have it in dip. Eat it with vegetables if in Phase 1 and with WW Pitas or crackers in Phase 2. Here’s a hot dip: Cheesy Spinach-Artichoke Dip (all phases) And a cold one: Creamy Feta-Spinach Dip (all phases) Here’s a link to a slew of other spinach dip recipes (let us know if you need help making them SBD-safe). When you feel ready, try eating cooked spinach in this dish, where the sweetness of the raisins will help balance the spinach’s bitterness: Spinach with Raisins and Pine Nuts (P2 and 3) Another way to eat cooked spinach: Golden Spinach and Sweet Potato Healthy Sauté (P2 & 3) Spinach is often a part of vegetarian recipes. Here are some that could work for SBD: Mushroom and Spinach Frittata With Smoked Gouda (all phases) Curried Rice Salad with Spinach-and-Citrus Vinaigrette (P2 & 3) Barley-Vegetable Stuffed Acorn Squash (P2 & 3) More Information on Spinach: Basic information on spinach at Produce Oasis Some good facts on washing, preparing, and cooking spinach Healthy Spinach Recipes and Cooking Tips from Eating Well Spinach, a Healthy Source of Nutrients for Your Diet Other information on Veggies: Better Homes and Gardens Slide Show on using spring vegetables, including recipes and info on veggies FAQ for the 5-a-day program on Fruits and Veggies Tips on Fruits and Veggies from the CDC Vegetables: How to cook, serve, and store these healthy foods from Mayo Clinic |
I usually saute mine in a little olive oil and some fresh minced garlic. Mmmmmm....
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I have been putting spinach in my egg white omlets. I use the frozen, and thaw it, be sure to wring all the moisture out or you will end up with green colored eggs....not the most pleasant sight in the a.m.
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I LOVE Spinach Fresh Frozen Anyway I can get it!!
For Breakfast this week I made a Spinach and Feta Quiche 16 oz bag of spinach 8-12 eggs I had 8 left 1/2 cup Parmesan 4 oz crumbled RF Feta Dried minced onion Steak seasoning (trust me) Preheat oven to 350 Cooking spray a 9 X12 pan SPrinkle onions on the bottom to cover Pour bag of spinach (still Frozen) on top Sprinkle with More onions Steak seasoning and Parm Distribute Cheese over the top Whisk eggs and pour over giving it time to settle into crevices in the spinach (can assist this with a spoon) 30 ish minutes in the oven Soooo good!! Makes about 10 good sized slices |
I go through several bags of fresh spinach every week. I use it in my Taco Bake, toss it into soups, pile it on flatbread with other veggies for wraps, use 1/2 spinach and 1/2 romaine in my salads, and I love to pile it raw on top of hot pizza. :drool:
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I too enjoy the spinach....
I made spinach, mushroom, and turkey sausage egg muffins for breakfast this week. I love fresh baby spinach with scrambled eggs, onions, and tomatoes. I have a great recipe for a Turkey cutlet dinner where you use fresh spinach that eventually wilts from the heat of the brown rice and turkey. And lastly, I've also made a creamed spinach using laughing cow, Parmesan and a little FF half & half. YUM!!!! |
This is not a new recipe, it was posted by pearshape a few years ago:
Creamy White Bean Pesto Soup with Roasted Red Pepper and Spinach I love this soup & it's got so much good-for-you spinach in it! This is a great way to eat a lot of spinach if you don't care for eating it on it's own. I am not a huge spinach fan, although it has grown on me since going on SB. Spinach puree works well mixed into hamburgers for extra nutrients. Not recommended in turkey burgers, they come out neon green. I also add it to pizza and sandwiches. |
Spinich is my "main" vegetable...I ususally have it a couple of times of day at least...
in the morning with my eggs or turkey sandwich... at lunch in a big salad... as a snack with turkey and laughing cow on triscuits..... love the stuff... |
mmmm. This sounds so good. I love spinach and I love feta. This is a winning combo.
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Spinach and Cheese Squares
This recipe came from a local hospital newsletter. I believe because of the flour, it would be considered Phase 2. [but if you use arrowroot, it should be fine in Phase 1] I haven't made it without the flour, but I think it would work without it since it is such a small amount and then it would be Phase 1. I substitute whole wheat flour for the all purpose called for in the recipe and I also cut the margarine down to 2 tablespoons without a problem. The first time I made it, I mistakenly mixed the parmesan cheese in instead of sprinkling it on top. When I made it again, I decided I liked the cheese mixed in with a little on the top better. I also cut down on the pepper a bit. The taste is pronounced with a 1/2 teaspoon so add to your taste.
This goes together really quickly and makes a nice breakfast, side dish or snack. Just heat a serving in the microwave and you are good to go. It keeps well in the fridge for several days. Spinach and Cheese Squares 2 10oz. packages frozen chopped spinach 1 pound small curd, low-fat cottage cheese 1/3 cup feta or cheddar cheese (I use low-fat) 16 oz. Egg substitute (Egg Beaters type) or 8 large eggs 1/4 chopped scallions or small onion 3 Tablespoons melted margarine (without trans fat) 2 Tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese 1 Tablespoon all purpose flour (sub whole wheat) [In P1, just sub arrowroot to thicken] 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1/2 teaspoon dill Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Thaw, drain and press spinach in a sieve to squeeze out excess water. In a large bowl, mix egg substitute, cottage cheese, feta or cheddar cheese, and scallion. Add melted margarine, flour, pepper, and dill. Fold in spinach. Spray a 9 inch by 9 inch or a 12 inch by 8 inch pan with non-stick spray. Pour mixture into pan and smooth out the top. Sprinkle with Parmesan. Bake for about 50 minutes. Allow to cool a bit and cut into 12 servings. Refrigerate leftovers. The calorie count is listed at 94 per serving, but that is with full fat cheese, so a little less with low-fat. I enjoy this very much and I hope you will, too! MJMS |
MJMS - That sounds yummy!!!!
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How many real eggs equals 16 oz? That recipe sounds great!
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I'm mixing spinach and lentils for dinner, haven't decided on the seasoning yet :)
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Hi Chelby and all the other Chicks,
A quarter cup of egg substitute equals one egg, so the Spinach and Cheese Squares would use 8 whole eggs. I hope this helps you. I really like this dish a lot and I find it is filling enough to hold me for a while. I also like that I can whip it up on the weekend and have it ready to go during the week. Enjoy, MJMS |
MJMS -- I just got a full time job about 3 weeks ago after being a SAHM for 5 years. I'm looking for recipes I can cook in advance. This one looks great! Thank you! :)
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Any other Spinach ideas and/or recipes to share?
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