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Braised Spinach Treats

A delicious and comforting side dish made by slow-cooking spinach with aromatic spices, garlic, and sometimes meat or bones to create a rich and flavorful experience.

The Flavors of Braised Spinach

For centuries, cooks have been perfecting the art of braising spinach, transforming it from a humble leafy green into a mouthwatering treat that is hard to resist. The process involves cooking the spinach in liquid over low heat for an extended period, allowing the flavors to meld together and intensify.

What's Braised Spinach?​

Braised spinach is essentially cooked spinach that has been subjected to a slow-cooking process where it absorbs the flavors of aromatics like garlic, onions, ginger, or other spices. The leaves become tender, slightly caramelized, and develop an almost velvety texture that many people adore.

Benefits of Braised Spinach​

  1. Nutritional Powerhouse: Despite its simple preparation method, braised spinach is packed with nutrients like iron, vitamin K, potassium, and antioxidants.
  2. Versatility: It can be served as a side dish, used as a bed for fish or meat, or even added to pasta dishes for an extra nutritional boost.
  3. Easy to Make: The process of braising spinach is straightforward and doesn't require much time or effort.

Preparing Braised Spinach​

To prepare this treat, you will need the following ingredients:

  • Fresh spinach leaves (about a pound)
  • Garlic cloves (2-3 depending on preference)
  • Olive oil (for sautéing)
  • Salt and pepper for seasoning
  • Optional: onions, ginger, or other spices

Braising Process​

  1. Heat the Oil: Start by heating some olive oil in a pan over low heat.
  2. Add Aromatics: Add minced garlic (or any other aromatics you're using) to the hot oil and sauté until fragrant, which should only take about a minute.
  3. Add Spinach: After adding the garlic, add your spinach leaves to the pan in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
  4. Season with Salt and Pepper: Season the spinach with salt and pepper as it cooks down.
  5. Optional: Add Spices or Meat: You can also choose to add some spices like ginger, cumin, or oregano for extra flavor. If you're using meat, like bacon or prosciutto, now is the time to add it.
  6. Simmer and Serve: Let the spinach simmer over low heat until it's tender and has absorbed all the flavors from your aromatics and spices.

Tips​

  • Use fresh spinach for the best flavor.
  • If using meat, ensure you have enough liquid in the pan to avoid burning the ingredients.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.