10 Healthy Spinach Recipes

Spinach has never been on my list of favourites. As a child, the best part of my day would be to come back from school and run straight into the kitchen to find some of my best loved dishes cooked for lunch. But then, there were days when I would uncover the the serving bowl to find palak saag staring back at me. I detested it; I remember swallowing mouthfuls of it in helplessness. I don't attempt here the brutal massacre of the gastronomic brilliance that spinach is capable of. On the contrary, I am trying to draw your attention to the fact that monotony kills the many opportunities of using an ingredient to the fullest. Most regular ingredients - by regular I mean, widely available and most consumed ones - are cooked the same way again and again and again to an extent that almost everyone - save the adamant cook probably - gets bored of it. Spinach is a wonderful ingredient to cook with. It is great for health, full of flavour and can add so much drama and colour to your plate. Our spinach recipes come with a dash of culinary innovation and experimentation.

This article aims at unveiling a world of mouthwatering delicacies that are spinach-centered and make it the undisputed hero on your dinner table. But before we go ahead and let you master the tricks of the trade, here's why you should be including spinach in your regular diet.
 

Health Benefits of Spinach

Low in cholesterol

Rich in dietary fibre

Rich in magnesium, Vitamin A, C, E, K, calcium, iron, folic acid, potassium and thiamin

Improves blood quality

Good for bone health

Facilitates proper functioning of red blood cells in body

Good for hair, eyes and skin

How to Buy and Store

Opt for the bright green leaves that look crisp and fresh. Avoid any discoloration, blemishes or bruises. Look out for pest, insect or worm infestation. Store them packed loosely in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Wash the veggie only before cooking, storing washed spinach will cause it to spoil due to excess moisture. Also, note that spinach has lot of water content, hence cooking it will reduce its size. The best way to enjoy spinach without draining out its nutrients is to sauté, stir fry or steam it.

Noted all of the above? Then put on your aprons and cook something delicious with those bright green leaves tonight, we've got you plenty of options from all across the globe.
 

1. Crispy Spinach

By House of Ming, The Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi
Enjoy a smoky flavour loaded with crunch. Spinach leaves cooked crispy and teamed with fresh red chillies.
 

2. Spinach Pancake

By Chef Roopa Gulati
Cook up a wholesome wholewheat pancake stuffed with the goodness of cheese and mushrooms.

3. Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli

By Chef Anna Tasca Lanza, The ITC Hotel Maurya Sheraton, New Delhi
Tender ricotta ravioli stuffed with spinach.

4. Spanakopita

By Athena Economides
Greek ambassador's wife, Athena Economides cooks up an authentic spinach pie called Spanakopita.
 

5. Seared Tuna with Baby Spinach and Avocado

By Chef Joey Matthew
Sesame coated tuna fillets served with avocado, spinach with a zingy dressing.

6. Spinach & Mushroom Cannelloni

By Chef Aditya Bal
Presenting, a hearty combination of mushrooms, cheese and cannelloni shells.

7. Chicken Breast Stuffed with Spinach

By Chef Ritu Dalmia Diva, Delhi
Chef Ritu Dalmia cooks up a stellar delicacy. Chicken stuffed with cooked spinach and onion and served with a wine, peppercorn and saffron sauce

8. Cheesy Spinach Roulade

By Chef Niru Gupta
Chef Niru Gupta shares the trick to cook the perfect vegetarian roulade. Here you have cottage cheese stuffed with spinach and baked piping hot.
 

9. Baked Spinach with Mushroom and Cheese Sauce

By Chef Nikhil and Chef Natasha
A smooth spinach bake topped with a rich and cheesy mushroom-cheese sauce. A hot and hearty meal.

10. Spinach Soup with Spicy Chickpeas

By Chef Nikhil Chib
Here's the good old spinach soup with the interesting twist of spicy chickpeas.