Vegetables! What a nuisance for this wanna-be chef. Meats and fish are no problem – unlimited choices. But vegetables? I really have a hard time putting a nice assortment of green things on the table. My old cartoon friend, Popeye, didn’t have that problem. For the muscle-bound, pipe-chewing sailor, there was only one vegetable to even consider.
“I eats me spinach and fights to the finish. I’m Popeye the Sailor Man.”
Last week, I saw a pre-packaged bag of fresh, young spinach. It looked good, was under three bucks, so I said, “Why not.” Popeye might be right. Spinach might be the answer to my vegetable prayers and was he ever. I fixed a spinach dish that was easy, extraordinarily good, very attractive and supremely healthy. I prepared Steamed Spinach with Butter and Parmesan.
They say that kale is a miracle vegetable. Well, spinach is even better. It is like a walking vitamin store. Spinach is an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C and folate as well as being a source for manganese, magnesium, iron and vitamin B2. Vitamin K is also important for bone health and it is difficult to find a vegetable richer in vitamin K than spinach.
I like kale as a vegetable, but it can be a little strong. Spinach is not strong. It is mild, buttery and good.
Here is how I prepared my Steamed Spinach.
For starters, if possible, buy the prepackaged spinach which is already rinsed and cleaned, otherwise make sure to wash and rinse your spinach several times to rid the vegetable of any grit. I simply stuffed my 2 quart steam pot with fresh spinach and when it began steaming and began to wilt, I added the remainder of the package. I stirred the spinach around several times to make sure that all had been steamed and took it off the eye. I added a quarter stick of butter some, Kosher salt, coarse pepper and about a tablespoon of grated parmesan cheese. That’s it. Plate and serve immediately while piping hot and enjoy.
And by the way, have you seen, Bluto? If you do tell him I’m looking for him and to stay away from Olive Oyl.
Steamed Spinach with Butter and Parmesan
1 16-oz. package of fresh young spinach
Kosher Salt
Coarse black pepper
1/4 stick butter
1 T grated parmesan cheese