Steam Spinach in The Microwave

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Spinach is well-known for its **nutritional** punch. Folks reckon if it gave Popeye the Sailor Man his mighty muscles, it might work wonders for them too.

Superfoods are considered to contain high quantities of nutrients and low calories, and spinach is no exception.

Moreover, spinach also provides skin, hair, and bone health benefits..

Consuming spinach regularly is a healthy choice.

This leafy green vegetable is available throughout the year and is high in vitamins and minerals.

Spinach is one of the foods that can be cooked in a microwave.

Besides cooking quickly and easily, it also reduces the amount of time spent cleaning up..

How to microwave spinach?.

A microwave oven is a good way to cook spinach and keep its nutrients intact.

Discover exactly How to Microwave Spinach by taking a closer look at each of the cooking steps:.

What you will need:.

4 ounces of water (110 g)

 

2 tablespoons minced garlic (17.24 grams)

 

5 tablespoons butter (71 grams)

 

2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (32 mL)

 

.Here are the steps you need to follow:.

1.Prepare fresh spinach by rinsing in cold water and cutting off thick stems- Make sure the leaves are tender by removing dirt from them and trimming them. It is perfectly normal to see some soil on the spinach leaves when you purchase it from a grocery store or farmer’s market.

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This is even if you grew the spinach yourself. Remove any dirt from the leaves by gently using your fingers as you rinse them under cool water. If there are any long and fibrous stems, prune them using a knife or a pair of kitchen scissors.

Before you cook the leaves, pat them dry with a paper towel or let them air dry for a few minutes.

Longer, heavier items can be stiff, but the thin, green stems near the leaf are soft and pleasant. Even if store-bought loose spinach appears to be clean, rinse it thoroughly to be sure.

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2.For a quick fix, use spinach in a bag- Save time by avoiding the need to wash and trim the leaves. Pick up a bag of pre-washed, pre-packaged spinach if you want to make things simple.

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You don’t need to do anything but fry the leaves because they’ve already been thoroughly washed and cut. In the grocery section of most supermarkets, pre-washed bags of spinach are often accessible.

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3.Chop the leaves to make the spinach easier to eat- To avoid staining, use a stainless steel knife. The longer leaves of cooked spinach are disliked by some people. It’s no problem!

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Place the spinach on a clean chopping board and chop it into smaller pieces using a stainless steel knife. It’ll cook down into a much easier-to-chew and eat dish. The flavor or cooking time is unaffected by chopping the spinach.

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4.To prepare the spinach, place it in a microwave-safe bowl or casserole dish- At a time, add water. Put a few handfuls of spinach in a microwave-safe container, such as a glass bowl, or a microwave-safe casserole dish, such as Corning ware.

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To ensure that the spinach cooks evenly, don’t overfill the container. Only use plastic containers that can be microwaved. If you’re not sure, don’t use it simply to be safe. You can add additional spinach if you have a larger container.

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5.If preferred, add butter, garlic, and lemon juice- As the spinach cooks, it will absorb the flavors. You can season the spinach after it has cooked, but if you want to give it a boost of flavor, do it before you microwave it. In a jar, combine minced garlic, butter, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.

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This is completely optional, and you may season the spinach after it’s cooked to add a lot of flavors.

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6.To keep the steam in the dish, cover it- Microwave-safe lid, damp paper towel, or plastic wrap are all good options. Place the lid on top of your container has one. If you don’t have a lid, cover the container with a moist paper towel or wrap it in plastic wrap so the steam doesn’t escape and the spinach cooks evenly. Check that the cover is microwave-safe to avoid melting or damage.

 

7.Microwave the spinach for 2 minutes on high- The spinach takes only a few minutes to cook in most current microwaves. Place your spinach container in the microwave and cook for 2 minutes on high. Allow a minute or two for the spinach to finish cooking and for the container to cool, so it’s easier to remove without burning yourself.

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8.Remove the container and open the lid with care- Stir it briefly to remove any undercooked leaves. It’s possible that the container is hot, and the trapped steam will burn you. Remove the container from the oven and place it on the worktop using oven mitts or potholders.

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Remove the lid with care and inspect the leaves. Stir it around to help the spinach finish cooking evenly. The spinach may not appear fully cooked at first, but if you stir it all together, it will continue cooking.

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9.Drain any excess water from the spinach- The cooking process can leave the food with some moisture. If you add too much water to your spinach, it will get mushy. Pour the leftover spinach from the bottom of the container into the sink, leaving only crisp, steamed spinach.

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10.Add any seasonings you want and mix the spinach well- Mix everything together and enjoy! To enhance the natural flavors of spinach, season with salt and pepper. If you want a little more heat, add seasonings like cayenne or red pepper flakes. It’s ready to eat after a good stir to evenly distribute the ingredients. You can also use spinach in pasta or rice preparations.

 

.What are the health benefits of eating spinach?.

The nutrition facts for 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of raw spinach are.

Fat: 0.4 grams

 

Calories: 23

 

Protein: 2.9 grams

 

Carbs: 3.6 grams

 

Sugar: 0.4 grams

 

Water: 91%

 

Fiber: 2.2 grams

 

.Here are some of its health benefits:.

1.In addition to being low in calories, spinach is also packed with antioxidants, iron, calcium, and more that are essential for improving the body from the inside out.

 

2.Spinach aids in the maintenance of brain functions, particularly in the elderly. The high quantity of vitamins C and K, as well as folate, aids in the healthy functioning of the nervous system.

 

3.Spinach contains Vitamin A, that not only improves the skin’s immune system but it also keeps it moisturized, which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

 

4.Spinach can aid with a variety of inflammatory conditions, including arthritis, osteoarthritis, asthma, and even migraine headaches.

 

.Conclusion.

The health benefits of spinach are easy to discover when you add it to your diet.

In addition, steaming spinach in the microwave preserves nutrients and makes your meal ready in a flash.

With these tips, you’ll always have perfect steamed spinach, regardless of whether you have a steamer.

It is an efficient and fast way to get food from the fridge to the dinner table in a matter of minutes.

FAQs.

What is the nutritional content of microwaved spinach?

It may surprise you to learn that spinach cooked in the microwave is (much) more healthy than spinach cooked on the stovetop.

Microwave temperatures are rarely as high as those in a pot or pan.

Microwaving spinach also doesn’t require any more water, so the nutrients aren’t washed away.

When spinach is microwaved, for example, nearly none of the vitamin B9 (also known as folate) is lost.

When spinach is cooked in a pan, however, almost 75% of its nutritional value is lost!

How should you mix microwaved spinach?

Stir the spinach thoroughly with a fork, and then replace the lid on the container for one more minute.

The spinach will be kept warm for your meal, and any undercooked leaves will be cooked through due to the residual heat from the spinach.

How does the cooked spinach look?

Because cooked spinach turns darker and softer, look for a great, dark green color and limp leaves.

Overcooking spinach is difficult, but if the leaves begin to dry out, you’ve gone too far.

When is the best time to eat spinach?

Between the months of March and June, spinach is at its peak.

Iron, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C are all found in abundance in this nutrient-dense leafy green.

When purchasing, look for green leaves and avoid wilted yellow foliage.

How is spinach made?

Water makes up the majority of spinach.

One cup of cooked spinach, for example, has 164 g of water.

This is why leafy greens are so important for better skin, hair, and overall wellness.

As a result, drinking plenty of water will keep our skin moisturized and nourished.

What to serve it with?

Spaghetti with spinach is a very healthy side dish and goes well with all kinds of meals.

Cook spinach for a short amount of time in the microwave so that it is tender without overcooking.

Steam Spinach

The Best Way To Steam Spinach In The Microwave

It is believed that spinach is a superfood, and if Popeye the Sailor Man could get his strength from spinach, you can too.
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 138 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 microwave

Ingredients
  

  • 4 ounces water
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 5 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice

Instructions
 

  • Put the spinach in a dish that can be used in a microwave. Cook for one to two minutes on high in a microwave.
  • Excess liquid should be poured off. Serve with lemon wedges as a garnish after adding lemon juice.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 138kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 1gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 38mgSodium: 115mgPotassium: 42mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 438IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 19mgIron: 1mg
Keyword The Best Way To Steam Spinach In The Microwave
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