Top 8 Global Spinach Recipes with Chef Priya & Chef Nisha
Chef Priya: "Spinach is such a versatile and healthy ingredient, Nisha. What can we do with it?"
Chef Nisha: "Let’s dive into some global flavors, Priya! Here are 8 exciting recipes with spinach as the star."
1. Spanakopita (Greece)
Ingredients: 2 lbs fresh spinach, 1 cup chopped onions, 1/2 cup fresh dill, 1/4 cup parsley, 1 cup crumbled feta cheese, 2 eggs (beaten), 1 pack phyllo dough, 1/2 cup butter or olive oil.
Steps: Sauté fresh spinach with onions, dill, and parsley in olive oil. Mix with crumbled feta cheese and beaten eggs. Layer phyllo dough sheets, brushing each with butter or olive oil, and spread the spinach mixture between the layers. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until golden brown.
2. Saag Paneer (India)
Ingredients: 1 lb fresh spinach, 1 tbsp ginger paste, 1 tbsp garlic paste, 1 tomato (chopped), 1 onion (chopped), 1 cup paneer (cubed), 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp garam masala, 2 tbsp oil or ghee, salt to taste.
Steps: Boil spinach and blend it with ginger, garlic, and green chilies. Sauté cumin, onions, and tomatoes in oil or ghee, then add the spinach puree. Stir in cubed paneer and simmer for 10 minutes. Serve hot with naan or basmati rice.
3. Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli (Italy)
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh spinach, 1 cup ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, salt to taste, fresh pasta dough, Alfredo or tomato basil sauce.
Steps: Cook spinach until wilted, squeeze out excess water, and chop finely. Mix with ricotta cheese, Parmesan, nutmeg, and salt for the filling. Roll out pasta dough, place small portions of filling, and seal into ravioli shapes. Boil and serve with sauce.
4. Spinach Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing (USA)
Ingredients: 6 cups fresh spinach, 2 boiled eggs (sliced), 1/4 cup red onion (sliced), 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms, 4 strips of bacon, 2 tbsp vinegar, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard.
Steps: Toss spinach with boiled eggs, onions, and mushrooms. Prepare a warm dressing by frying bacon until crispy, then using the fat to sauté onions, vinegar, sugar, and Dijon mustard. Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
5. Spinach Tortilla (Spain)
Ingredients: 4 medium potatoes, 1 onion, 2 cups fresh spinach, 6 eggs, 3 tbsp olive oil, salt and pepper to taste.
Steps: Peel and slice potatoes, and sauté them with onions in olive oil until softened. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Beat eggs, season with salt and pepper, and pour over the mixture. Cook on low heat until set, flip, and cook until golden brown.
6. Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken (Global Fusion)
Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts, 2 cups fresh spinach, 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese, 1 garlic clove (minced), 2 tbsp cream cheese, salt and pepper to taste, olive oil for cooking.
Steps: Sauté spinach, mix with feta, garlic, and cream cheese for the stuffing. Slice chicken breasts to create a pocket, stuff them, and secure with toothpicks. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or pan-sear until fully cooked.
7. Spinach Miso Soup (Japan)
Ingredients: 4 cups dashi stock, 3 tbsp miso paste, 2 cups fresh spinach, 1/2 cup diced tofu, 1 tbsp dried seaweed.
Steps: In a pot, dissolve miso paste in dashi stock over low heat. Add spinach, tofu, and seaweed. Simmer for a few minutes until spinach is wilted and tofu is warmed through. Serve immediately.
8. Spinach Artichoke Dip (Global)
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped), 1 cup artichoke hearts (chopped), 8 oz cream cheese, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated), 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded), garlic powder and pepper to taste.
Steps: Mix spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, Parmesan, and mozzarella. Season with garlic powder and pepper. Transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
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