Can I cook spinach from frozen?

An icy package of blanched greens may not be the sexiest vegetable, but when it comes to convenience and helping in the struggle to add greens to every meal, frozen spinach wins.

Do you thaw frozen spinach before cooking?

– For best results, thaw frozen spinach in its package in the refrigerator as much as two days ahead or for several hours at room temperature. … – Short of thawing spinach in advance, the microwave oven does a good last-minute job, but do not cook it, just defrost it.

Is it OK to saute frozen spinach?

The amount of iron in spinach also increases after you cook spinach. One way to prepare spinach is to saute it. Serve sauteed spinach as a side dish. Allow yourself extra time when you make this dish, since you must thaw frozen spinach before you can saute it.

How do you make frozen spinach not soggy?

Remove the frozen block of spinach from the box and place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the spinach for 1-2 minutes or until the spinach becomes soft and mushy. Take a colander and line it with a couple sheets of paper towel. Place the mushy spinach on the paper towel.

How do I quickly cook frozen spinach?

The best way to defrost frozen spinach is to warm it in the microwave for a few minutes or warm it over low heat on the stove in pot and strain excess water with a mesh sieve or colander. Depending on your grocery store’s freezer section, you can typically find frozen spinach either chopped or as whole leaf.

How long should you cook frozen spinach?

While cooking times may vary depending on the amount of product and processing procedures, it generally takes between four and six minutes of cooking to heat a package of frozen spinach.

Why do you have to cook frozen spinach?

Most frozen vegetables retain better texture and flavor if cooked directly, though frozen greens like spinach are best if partially thawed before cooking. Cook frozen spinach thoroughly before you eat it to destroy bacteria.

What can you use frozen spinach for?

Here are 10 ways we love turning a bag of frozen spinach into a satisfying meal.

• Blend it into smoothies. …
• Add it to a pot of soup. …
• Fold it into a frittata, quiche, or egg casserole. …
• Add it to a stir-fry. …
• Make savory pancakes. …
• Toss it into pasta. …
• Add it to a grain bowl. …
• Blitz it into a pesto.

How long do you cook frozen spinach in the microwave?

Set your microwave to high and cook the frozen spinach for 6 to 7 minutes for 10 oz. of spinach; increase cooking time by half for each addition 10-oz. package.

How do you store spinach in the freezer?

How to Freeze Spinach

1. Wash your greens, pat or spin dry in a salad spinner.
2. Place the leaves in flat layers inside freezer bags and press down.
3. When the bags are full, squeeze out all the air, tie the bags up and place them in the freezer.

Can you thaw frozen spinach on the counter?

Refrigerator defrosting offers a cool environment that discourages the growth of germs for a period of time. Spinach can be defrosted on the counter top, but the longer it is left out the more likely it can become contaminated.

How do you thaw frozen spinach overnight?

The best way and fastest way to thaw frozen spinach is to put it in a mesh strainer and run it under very warm water. Feel around for icy chucks of spinach and break them apart with your fingers. Turn off water, grab a handful of spinach and SQUEEZE the water out back over the strainer.

How do you use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Most varieties of frozen spinach come in 10 oz packages and needs to be drained once it’s thawed because it will produce a lot of water. A 10 oz package of frozen spinach is the equivalent about a 1 pound bunch of fresh spinach.

Why do recipes call for frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Generally, you’ll want to use fresh spinach when either texture or color are of importance — salads, pestos, frittatas and soups usually fit this bill. Frozen spinach gets its due when quantity and moisture are of paramount concern.

Is frozen spinach any good?

Freezing spinach does not seem to mean any loss in beta-carotene content. Frozen spinach is terrific to keep on hand for an easy nutrient boost in soups and sauces. For other uses, cook spinach (fresh or frozen) by steaming, microwaving, stir-frying or sautéing to retain folate and vitamin C.