Spinach with butter and parmesan is an evergreen classic of Italian cuisine, a side dish that brings freshness and flavor to the table without too many ingredients or complicated steps. This dish, with its balance between the sweetness of the spinach and the rich taste of parmesan, fits perfectly with many dishes, from meats to eggs, never disappointing. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a tasty and versatile side dish that will make every meal special.
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Very cheap
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Portions: 4 servings
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Spring, Autumn, All seasons
Ingredients
- 2.2 lbs Spinach (or 600 of frozen spinach)
- 3 tbsp Butter
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
- to taste Salt
Preparation
If using fresh spinach, wash them thoroughly and remove the harder stems. If using frozen spinach, add them directly to the pan without thawing. In both cases, blanch the spinach in salted water for 5 minutes, then drain them well and squeeze to remove excess water. This step helps to keep the dish less watery.
Blanching the spinach softens the leaves and reduces their bitter taste, while squeezing helps prevent the dish from being too liquid.In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the drained and squeezed spinach, and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring to mix the butter well with the leaves.
The butter gives a rich and creamy flavor to the spinach, enhancing their sweetness. The heat also helps to make them more flavorful.Sprinkle the spinach with the grated parmesan and mix well, letting it melt and coat the spinach.
Serve the spinach with butter and parmesan hot as a perfect side dish to accompany roasted meats, fish, or vegetarian dishes.
Tips
You can add a sprinkle of black pepper for an extra touch of flavor.
If you prefer an even richer dish, you can add a tablespoon of fresh cream during cooking.
For a lighter alternative, replace the butter with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Notes
Fresh spinach is preferable for a more flavorful dish, but if you are short on time or don’t have access to fresh ones, frozen spinach is a valid alternative.
Be sure to squeeze the spinach well to prevent the dish from becoming too liquid.
Variations
If you want to make the dish richer, you can add a chopped hard-boiled egg or toasted walnuts.
For a stronger taste, you can replace parmesan with pecorino or another aged cheese of your choice.
FAQ – Spinach with Butter and Parmesan
Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Add them directly to the pan without thawing first. Follow the same procedure, but cook a bit longer to allow them to fully thaw.
Can I prepare spinach with butter and parmesan in advance?
I recommend preparing it just before serving to keep it fresh and tasty. However, you can store leftover spinach in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat in the pan.
Can I replace parmesan with another cheese?
Yes, you can use a cheese of your choice, like pecorino, grana padano, or even a creamier cheese like salted ricotta, depending on your tastes.
Spinach with butter and parmesan is a simple side dish with an irresistible flavor. Easy to prepare and perfect for accompanying any main course, they’re ideal when you’re looking for a quick yet flavorful dish. Try them now and turn every meal into a special moment!
