Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is a leafy green flowering plant native to central and Western Asia. It is of the order Caryophyllales, family Amaranthaceae, subfamily Chenopodioideae. Its leaves are a common edible vegetable consumed either fresh, or after storage using preservation techniques by canning, freezing, or dehydration. It may be eaten cooked or raw, and the taste differs considerably; the high oxalate content may be reduced by steaming.
Culinary Use And Nutrition Of Spinach
Spinach is eaten raw, in salads, and cooked in soups, curries, or casseroles. Dishes with spinach as a main ingredient include spinach salad, spinach soup, spinach dip, saag paneer, pkhali, ispanakhi matsvnit, and spanakopita.
In classical French cuisine, a spinach-based dish may be described as à la Florentine.
Nutrients Of Spinach
Raw spinach is 91% water, 4% carbohydrates, 3% protein, and contains negligible fat (table). In a 100 g (3.5 oz) serving providing 23 calories, spinach has a high nutritional value, especially when fresh, frozen, steamed, or quickly boiled. Although spinach contains moderate amounts of iron and calcium, it also contains oxalates, which may inhibit the absorption of calcium and iron in the stomach and small intestine. Cooked spinach has lower levels of oxalates, and its nutrients may be absorbed more completely. (Wikipedia)
Ingredients
1/4 cup onion, chopped
1 tablespoon flour
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter
1 and 3/4 cup half & half
2 packages chopped spinach, thawed
8 ounces water chestnuts, sliced, drained
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1 package dry vegetable soup mix
Directions
To make this Cheesy Spinach Dip, preheat the oven to 425 degrees. In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter; add the onion and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes. Next, stir in the flour for 1 minute. Add the half & half stirring constantly for 2 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the spinach, chestnuts, the cheese, and the soup mix. Put into preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes; serve warm. Enjoy!
also try: Cheesy Spinach Pinwheels
