Spinach is a versatile, healthy leafy green packed with vitamins and minerals. Canned spinach offers a quick and convenient alternative when fresh isn’t an option. Here are two simple methods for cooking canned spinach – on the stove and in the microwave.
1. How To Cook Canned Spinach on Stove
Pairing canned spinach with eggs makes for a fast, protein-rich meal with little effort. Eggs complement the earthiness of spinach beautifully. Follow these directions for spinach-stuffed eggs.
Ingredients
- 1 10-12oz can spinach, drained thoroughly
- 6 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 shallot, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened
- 1⁄4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Heat oil in a skillet over medium. Sauté shallots and garlic 1 minute until fragrant.
Add drained spinach and continue sautéing 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
In a mixing bowl, beat eggs thoroughly with a fork until uniform yellow color. Stir in cream cheese, Parmesan, nutmeg and cooled spinach mixture until fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Wipe out the skillet used for spinach and return to medium heat. Grease lightly with oil or non-stick spray.
Pour spinach and egg mixture back into warmed skillet. Cook 4-5 minutes, occasionally pushing cooked edges toward center with a spatula so uncooked egg runs underneath.
When egg mixture is mostly set but still a bit runny in spots, remove skillet from heat. Allow carryover cooking to finish setting the eggs to creamy, moist curds.
Slide filled egg cake onto plate. Cut into wedges and serve immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese.
2. How To Cook Canned Spinach in Microwave
Don’t want to hassle with the stove? Canned spinach can be conveniently cooked right in the microwave.
Ingredients
- 1 10-12 oz can spinach, drained thoroughly
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small shallot, minced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
Place drained spinach into a microwave-safe bowl. Cover and microwave for 2 minutes until hot and wilted. Drain any excess liquid.
In a second microwave-safe bowl, combine butter, shallots and garlic. Microwave 1 minute until butter melts and shallots soften.
Pour shallot-garlic butter over microwaved spinach. Toss gently to evenly coat spinach.
Sprinkle parmesan over spinach and toss again. Microwave 1 final minute just to finish warming spinach and melt cheese.
Remove bowl from microwave. Season spinach to taste with salt and pepper. Toss once more before serving.
Microwaved canned spinach makes an excellent quick side to complement eggs, pasta or chicken. To dress it up further, add extras like lemon juice, red pepper flakes or sautéed mushrooms.
With just basic ingredients and minimal effort, you can transform plain canned spinach into satisfying eggy bakes or flavorful sides. Keep canned spinach stocked for an easy way to add green goodness across everyday meals.
