Brazilian recipe
Steamed Spinach (Espinafre Cozido no Vapor)
Steaming spinach is a classic Brazilian technique that keeps the greens vibrant and packed with flavor while ensuring a perfectly light texture.
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Ingredients
1 large bunch fresh spinach
Extra virgin olive oil to taste
Sea salt to taste
Extra virgin olive oil to taste
Sea salt to taste
Where to find ingredients
Fresh spinach is readily available in the produce section of any local supermarket or farmers' market. Look for bundles with firm, deep green leaves and no signs of wilting. Extra virgin olive oil and sea salt are pantry staples found in the baking or oils aisle of any grocer. If you need a steamer basket, check the kitchenware section of a department store or a local home goods shop.
Preparation method
- Separate the leaves from the thicker stems
- Keep the thinner, tender stems attached to the leaves
- Place the leaves into a large bowl
- Cover with cold water and wash thoroughly
- Lift the spinach out of the water by hand instead of draining it
- This method ensures any grit or soil settles at the bottom of the basin
- Leave the spinach in a colander to drain any excess liquid
- Fill a medium pot with water until it reaches about 1/3 of the way up
- Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat
- Fit a steamer basket over the pot
- Ensure the water is not touching the bottom of the basket directly
- Add half of the spinach to the steamer basket
- Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid
- Steam for approximately 5 minutes until the leaves have wilted
- Avoid overcooking to prevent the greens from becoming bitter or losing their shape
- Alternatively, you may use a bamboo steamer basket for this process
- Remove the spinach using kitchen tongs and transfer to a serving dish
- Repeat the process with the remaining half of the spinach
- Finish by drizzling with olive oil and sprinkling with sea salt
- Serve immediately while fresh
Observations
This simple steaming method locks in vital nutrients and maintains the fresh integrity of the leaves, making it a staple, healthy side dish for any meal.
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