Especially if it came from a can. We wanted to be cool like Popeye, who could knock Bluto to Kingdom Come just by downing a can of spinach, which always conveniently found its way to Popeye’s mouth when his situation was most dire. Our parents worked hard to convince us that cooked fresh spinach was just as good, if not better than the canned stuff.
How to Cook Spinach
My father prepares spinach this way at least once or twice a week, usually with fresh spinach from the farmer’s market. According to dad, he overcooked it for years, until he learned that you shouldn’t cook spinach beyond the point that it just wilts. Spinach releases a lot of water as it cooks. So my father’s trick is to drain and dry the spinach leaves as well as you can, using a salad spinner if need be, before cooking them. Then, sauté some garlic in olive oil in a large wide pan, and add the cleaned, drained, and dried spinach leaves to the pan. Pack the pan with spinach; cover and cook for only a minute or two tops.
More Great Spinach Recipes
Spinach and Orzo Salad Spinach with Sesame and Garlic Creamed Spinach with Bacon Spinach Frittata
Drain any excess liquid from the pan. Add a little more olive oil, if you wish. Then, sprinkle with salt to taste. Serve immediately.
