Spinach Leaves

Spinacia oleracea Leafy Green

Spinach Leaves Leafy Green

At a Glance

  • Category Leafy Green

The Forktionary Angle

"From Popeye's favorite to gourmet plates, spinach leaves are a culinary powerhouse, offering both versatility and a nutritional punch."

Definition

Dark leafy green vegetable known for its tender leaves and high nutritional value, commonly used raw in salads or cooked.

Cooking Yield Reduces significantly when cooked (10:1 ratio approx.)
Iron Bioavailability Improved with Vitamin C
Vitamin K Content 490% DV (per 100g raw)

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Spinach Leaves are:

Mild slightly earthy subtly sweet (when cooked)

Chef’s Secret

To prevent cooked spinach from becoming watery, sauté it quickly in batches in a very hot pan with minimal oil until just wilted. Squeeze out excess water before adding to dishes.

Best Substitutes

Swiss Chard

slightly tougher stems
Ratio 1:1

Kale

tougher, more bitter
Ratio 1:1

Arugula

for salads, peppery
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Choose crisp, dark green leaves. Avoid yellowing, wilting, or slimy spots. Baby spinach is generally more tender.

Recipes Using Spinach Leaves

High Protein Seasonal For 1 Or 2 Very Low Carbs

Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Chicken Gluten Free

Impress your loved one with this quick and easy, gluten-free Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Chicken recipe! Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish boasts juicy chicken breasts, bursting with flavor in every bite. A savory blend of spinach, mushrooms, and your choice of cheese (blue cheese, feta, or baby Swiss) creates a delicious filling, all wrapped in crispy bacon. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a special weeknight meal!

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Preparation 60 Minutes Or Less Dietary Corn

Abuelo's Spinach Casserole

A Southwestern twist on a classic spinach casserole! This recipe, inspired by Abuelo's secret recipe (found on a copycat website!), features tender spinach, crispy bacon, and a creamy chipotle cheese sauce. It's a flavorful and comforting dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Get ready to impress with this easy-to-follow recipe!

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Number Of Servings Occasion South West Pacific Number Of Servings

Bacon Egg And Spinach Breakfast Rolls

Start your day with these incredible Bacon, Egg & Spinach Breakfast Rolls! This easy, make-ahead recipe is perfect for a quick breakfast for two or a crowd-pleasing brunch for a baseball team. Savory bacon, tender spinach, and a perfectly cooked egg nestled in a buttery roll – it's a flavor explosion in every bite! Get ready for a breakfast that's as delicious as it is convenient.

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Main Dish Meat Easy Turkey

Big Basil Turkey Burgers

Juicy turkey burgers elevated to the next level with a vibrant basil pesto sauce! This family-favorite recipe is quick, easy, and bursting with fresh flavor. The secret? A zesty basil sauce that transforms ordinary turkey burgers into an unforgettable culinary experience. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering.

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Pasta Rice And Grains Pasta Rice And Grains Pasta Preparation

Bacon Lettuce Tomato Bucatini

Crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh lettuce tossed with perfectly cooked bucatini in a vibrant, flavorful sauce. This elevated take on the classic BLT will become your new favorite weeknight dinner! Recipe inspired by Cuisine at Home magazine.

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For Large Groups Preparation Dietary European

Nutty Chicken Spanakopita

A delicious twist on a classic! This Nutty Chicken Spanakopita recipe combines savory ground chicken, spinach, and crunchy cashews in a flaky phyllo dough crust. Perfect as a satisfying appetizer or a light main course, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers incredible flavor in just 80 minutes. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this elevated take on a Greek favorite!

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Shrimp Shellfish Australian South West Pacific

Australian Shrimp On The Barbie

Savor the taste of Australia with this sizzling shrimp recipe! Perfect for a summer barbecue, these succulent shrimp are marinated in a vibrant blend of lemon, garlic, and herbs, then grilled to perfection. Quick, easy, and bursting with flavor, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready for a taste of the Outback!

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Short Grain Rice Gluten Free Low Calorie Main Ingredient

Baked Asparagus Spinach Risotto

This effortless Baked Asparagus Spinach Risotto from Cooking Light is a game-changer! No more tedious risotto stirring – this oven-baked version delivers creamy, cheesy perfection with minimal effort. Asparagus and spinach add vibrant color and healthy nutrients to this surprisingly simple dish. Get ready for a restaurant-quality meal in under an hour!

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Healthy Course Easy Holiday Event

Asian Stir Fry Pork And Noodles

This vibrant Asian stir-fry is packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes! Tender pork, crisp-tender vegetables, and your choice of noodles (vermicelli or rice noodles work perfectly) come together in a savory hoisin sauce. For easier slicing, try partially freezing the pork before prepping. A delicious and satisfying weeknight dinner!

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Preparation Time To Make Easy Main Dish

Angel Hair With Garlic Spinach And White Beans

A light yet satisfying dish bursting with garlic flavor! This low-fat, high-fiber pasta recipe is perfect for a healthy weeknight meal. Using pre-washed spinach and bottled minced garlic cuts prep time significantly, leaving you with more time to enjoy this delicious and hearty meal. Serve with a side green salad for a complete and vibrant dinner. Ready in under 30 minutes!

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Vegetables Easy Chicken Breasts Main Ingredient

Almond Chicken With Asparagus

This vibrant Almond Chicken with Asparagus recipe is a healthy and delicious meal, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch. Packed with protein from tender chicken, nutritious asparagus, and a zesty yogurt-based dressing, it's a flavor explosion in just 20 minutes! The bed of spinach adds extra vitamins and a refreshing crunch. Adapted from a popular weight loss tracking website, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

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Main Dish Low Calorie Dietary Low Saturated Fat

Best Chicken Soup Ever

This isn't just chicken noodle soup; it's a hug in a bowl! Created by combining the best elements of several family recipes, this comforting classic is perfect for soothing a cold or simply enjoying on a chilly evening. I freeze batches to share with loved ones – a taste of home and healing whenever they need it most. Get ready for the most flavorful, tender chicken and perfectly cooked noodles you've ever tasted!

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Time To Make Main Ingredient Low Protein Low Calorie

Barley Shiitake And Spinach Pilaf

Discover this unique barley recipe, unearthed from a vintage vegetarian magazine! Unlike typical barley soups, this pilaf boasts a delightful combination of chewy barley, earthy shiitake mushrooms, and vibrant spinach. A simple yet elegant side dish or satisfying vegetarian main course, ready in under 80 minutes.

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Cuisine Main Ingredient Occasion Cuisine

Batatas Con Huevos Mexican Comfort Food

A comforting and flavorful Mexican twist on eggs in a nest! Instead of bread, perfectly roasted sweet potatoes cradle fluffy eggs, creating a delicious and satisfying meal. Inspired by a sushi chef's genius improvisation, this recipe is easy to follow and perfect for a weekend brunch or a weeknight dinner. Get ready for a taste of Mexican comfort food heaven!

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Kosher Side Dishes 30 Minutes Or Less Course

Acini Di Pepe With Spinach And Feta

This comforting Italian pasta dish is a quick and easy weeknight meal! Inspired by a Gourmet magazine recipe, creamy acini di pepe pasta is tossed with wilted spinach, salty feta cheese, and fragrant garlic. A perfect blend of textures and flavors, this recipe is ready in under 30 minutes.

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Cuisine Spicy Taste Mood Vegetarian

Mushroom Curry

A flavorful and budget-friendly mushroom curry recipe, inspired by Jack Santa Maria! This aromatic dish is packed with nutritious mushrooms, potatoes, and warming spices. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this easy-to-follow recipe will impress your taste buds without emptying your wallet. Get ready for a delicious and satisfying culinary adventure!

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60 Minutes Or Less Preparation Rice European

Baked Asparagus And Spinach Risotto Cooking Light

Say goodbye to stovetop risotto stress! This easy, oven-baked recipe from Cooking Light is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Imagine creamy, cheesy risotto infused with tender asparagus and spinach, all baked to perfection while you focus on other dishes. This "no-fail" recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. Get ready for a flavor explosion that's quick, easy, and unbelievably delicious!

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