I love spinach! It’s not only tasty, but it’s also packed with nutrients. However, sometimes I find myself short on time and need a quick and easy way to prepare it. That’s when I discovered the microwave method for steaming spinach. Not only is it incredibly fast, but it also helps to retain the nutrients in the spinach. In this article, I will share with you my favorite method for steaming spinach in the microwave. So let’s get started!
Gathering the Ingredients and Equipment
What You’ll Need:
- 1 bag of fresh spinach (organic if possible)
- A microwave-safe bowl with a lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap
- About 2 tablespoons of water
- Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
- A colander and a pair of tongs
Now that we have all our ingredients and equipment ready, let’s move on to the next step.
Preparing the Spinach
1. Washing the Spinach
Before steaming, it’s crucial to wash the spinach thoroughly. Fill a colander with cold water and place the spinach in it. Swirl the spinach around and let it soak for a few minutes. This helps to remove any dirt or grit that may be on the leaves. Then, rinse the spinach under running water to ensure it’s clean.
2. Drying the Spinach
Once the spinach is clean, it’s essential to dry it properly. Excess moisture can affect the steaming process, so you’ll want to remove as much water as possible. I typically use a salad spinner to dry the spinach. If you don’t have one, you can gently pat the leaves dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
Steaming the Spinach
1. Placing the Spinach in a Microwave-Safe Bowl
Take the dry spinach leaves and place them in a microwave-safe bowl. Be sure not to overcrowd the bowl as the spinach needs space to steam properly. If you only have a small bowl, you may need to steam the spinach in multiple batches.
2. Adding Water and Seasonings
Next, add about two tablespoons of water to the bowl. This water will create steam and help in the steaming process. If desired, you can also season the spinach with a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Covering the Bowl
To create the perfect steaming environment, cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. If using plastic wrap, make sure to leave a small vent for the steam to escape.
4. Microwaving the Spinach
Now it’s time to put the bowl in the microwave. Set the power level to high and cook the spinach for about 2-3 minutes. The exact timing may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave, so keep a close eye on the spinach. You’ll know it’s done when the leaves have wilted but are still vibrant green.
5. Removing and Serving the Spinach
Once the spinach is steamed to perfection, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave using oven mitts or a towel. Be cautious as the bowl and the steam will be hot. Give the spinach a quick stir using tongs, making sure to distribute the moisture and seasonings evenly. Your steamed spinach is now ready to be served!
Enjoying the Steamed Spinach
Now that you have your delicious and nutritious steamed spinach, you can enjoy it in various ways. Here are a few ideas:
- As a side dish: Serve the spinach alongside grilled chicken or fish for a balanced and wholesome meal.
- In salads: Toss the cooled steamed spinach with your favorite salad ingredients, such as cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and feta cheese.
- In pasta or stir-fries: Add the steamed spinach to your favorite pasta or stir-fry dishes for an extra boost of greens.
- In omelets or frittatas: Mix the steamed spinach into your breakfast omelets or frittatas for a nutritious kickstart to your day.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to incorporating steamed spinach into your meals. Get creative and experiment with different recipes to find your favorite combinations.
Closing Thoughts
Steaming spinach in the microwave is a quick and easy method that allows you to enjoy this nutritious leafy vegetable in no time. The process is straightforward, and with just a few minutes, you can have perfectly steamed spinach ready to be enjoyed. Plus, microwaving the spinach helps to retain its vital nutrients, making it a healthy choice for your meals. So next time you’re short on time but still craving some greens, give this microwave steaming method a try – your taste buds and body will thank you!