Dark Green with Envy

by WiredBerries Editors — June 25, 2008

Spinach is one of the first vegetables to flourish in a happy garden, so much so that I now have more than I know what to do with. This dark green leafy veggie is an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin A, manganese, folate, magnesium, iron, vitamin C, vitamin B2, calcium, potassium, and vitamin B6. It is also a very good source of dietary fiber, copper, protein, phosphorous, zinc and vitamin E. In addition, it is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, niacin and selenium. Can't go wrong eating a bunch of that! But too many meals of spinach salad can make you a bit green, so consider this delicious and simple recipe for steamed spinach.

Mediterranean Steamed Spinach

Large bunch of fresh spinach
1/8 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp lemon juice
1 Tbsp bottled minced garlic
1 pinch salt
1 pinch ground black pepper
1 1/2 Tbsp chopped walnuts

Steam spinach until just wilted (2 or 3 minutes). In the meantime, mix together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix dressing with steamed spinach and chopped walnuts. Serve over brown rice and enjoy!