Goat Cheese And Spinach: A Match Made In Heaven?

do spinach and goat cheese mix well

Spinach and goat cheese are a delicious combination and can be used in a variety of dishes, including tarts, pasta, and crostini. The creamy texture of goat cheese pairs well with the spinach, and the addition of lemon juice, garlic, and other spices can enhance the flavour of the dish. This combination is not only tasty but also versatile, as it can be served as a side dish, main course, or even a light snack. The versatility of this pairing makes it a great option for those looking to add more vegetables to their diet without compromising on taste.

Characteristics Values
Taste Spinach and goat cheese mix well and have a good taste
Recipe Spinach and goat cheese can be used to make pasta, pie, crostini, and sauteed spinach with goat cheese
Ingredients Spinach, goat cheese, butter, salt, pepper, lemon juice, pine nuts, olive oil, basil, rosemary, parmesan cheese, chicken broth, white wine, avocado oil, garlic
Preparation Time Quick and easy to make

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Spinach and goat cheese pasta

To make this recipe, start by boiling a salted pot of water and cooking the pasta al dente according to the package directions. Remember to reserve about a cup of the pasta water before draining it. Then, drain the pasta and set it aside.

In the same pot, add butter and melt it over medium heat. You can use a good-quality grass-fed butter for a richer flavor. Add in the garlic and cook for about a minute. You can also add some chopped onions or shallots at this stage for extra flavor.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the cooked pasta back into the pot. Now, it's time to stir in the goat cheese, parmesan, and lemon juice. Goat cheese has a strong flavor, so it's important to really like it if you're using a large quantity. You can also add some lemon zest for an extra tangy kick.

Add a splash of the reserved pasta water a little at a time and keep stirring and tossing until you achieve a creamy consistency. You can also use chicken broth or avocado oil for a creamier sauce.

Finally, add in the spinach (and basil if desired) and toss with the pasta. Cover the pot for a minute or two to help the spinach wilt. Season with salt and pepper as needed and serve immediately.

For a heartier dish, you can add proteins like chicken or chorizo, and garnish with toasted pine nuts. You can also experiment with different types of greens like kale, Swiss chard, rapini, or broccoli.

Enjoy your creamy and flavorful spinach and goat cheese pasta!

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Spinach and goat cheese tart

Spinach and goat cheese are a great combination, and you can make a delicious tart with these two ingredients. This recipe is a tasty and gourmet vegetarian option, perfect for a meal with friends or family. It is also simple and quick to make, with just six ingredients and a 10-minute preparation time.

First, preheat your oven to 390°F/200°C. Then, wash your spinach well and remove the tough stems. You can use frozen spinach, which works just fine, or fresh spinach, which is in season from September to May. Next, cook the spinach in a frying pan over high heat for around 15 minutes, until reduced and no longer watery. You can add some minced garlic to taste.

Meanwhile, prepare your puff pastry. Look for ready-made puff pastry in the freezer section, particularly those made with butter for a richer flavor. Poke holes in the pastry with a fork and pre-bake for about 10 minutes. This will ensure the pastry is crispy.

Once the spinach is cooked and the pastry is pre-baked, spread 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard inside the border of the pastry. Top with the goat cheese, spreading it as much as possible with your fingers or a knife. You can also add some Parmesan cheese at this stage for extra flavor. Then, add the warm spinach on top.

Finally, bake the tart for 25-30 minutes. You can also add pine nuts just before baking. Enjoy your spinach and goat cheese tart piping hot!

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Spinach and goat cheese crostini

Spinach and goat cheese are a great combination, and crostini is a brilliant way to bring the two together. This recipe is simple and adaptable, making it a perfect party appetizer.

Ingredients

  • Spinach
  • Goat cheese
  • Bread (crusty loaf)
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Garlic
  • Pine nuts

Method

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Brush both sides of the bread slices with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Place the bread on a baking sheet and bake until golden, flipping halfway through—this should take around 7 minutes. While the bread is still hot, rub both sides with a clove of garlic.

Toast the pine nuts in a skillet over medium heat until lightly golden, then set aside. Add the remaining olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook over medium heat until the garlic is soft. Add the spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted.

Divide the spinach mixture among the toasts, and top with crumbled goat cheese. Bake for 3 to 5 minutes, until the cheese starts to melt. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and serve warm.

Tips and Variations

  • If you don't like spinach, arugula is a great alternative to use with goat cheese.
  • Goat cheese has a love/hate relationship with people—if you're not a fan, try another soft cheese.
  • For a silkier texture, stir in some hot pasta water.
  • Add a touch of lemon or lemon zest for a more citrusy flavour.

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Sautéed spinach with goat cheese

Spinach and goat cheese are a great combination and can be used in many dishes, including salads, pastas, and crostinis. One simple way to combine these two ingredients is to make sautéed spinach with goat cheese. This is a quick and easy side dish that can be served with almost any savoury main course.

To make sautéed spinach with goat cheese, you will need the following ingredients:

  • Butter
  • Shallots
  • Garlic
  • Frozen chopped spinach
  • Salt and pepper
  • Goat cheese

You will also need a skillet or pot to cook the ingredients in.

  • Add butter to your skillet or pot and place it over medium heat.
  • Once the butter has melted, add the shallots and garlic and cook for about 1 minute.
  • Next, add the defrosted spinach to the skillet. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper, to taste, and cook for 3-5 minutes.
  • Add dollops of goat cheese on top of the spinach. Do not stir the cheese into the spinach, as this will diminish the distinct flavour notes of both ingredients.
  • Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low for about 3 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.

Your sautéed spinach with goat cheese is now ready to be served! This dish is best served fresh, so be sure to enjoy it immediately. You can also experiment with adding other ingredients, such as lemon juice or zest, chicken broth, or white wine, to enhance the flavours of the dish.

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Spinach and goat cheese sauce

Ingredients:

  • Avocado oil
  • Butter
  • Chicken broth
  • White wine
  • Lemon juice
  • Garlic
  • Spinach
  • Goat cheese

Optional Ingredients:

  • Pasta water
  • Fresh herbs (e.g. rosemary)
  • Basil

Method:

  • Add the avocado oil, butter, chicken broth, white wine, lemon juice, and garlic to a large saucepan.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  • Simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the mixture reduces by half.
  • When the mixture has reduced by half, remove the garlic and add the spinach and goat cheese to the saucepan.
  • Stir until the spinach is wilted, the cheese is melted, and all ingredients are mixed well, for about 5-8 minutes.
  • If you are using this sauce for pasta, add some of the pasta water to create a thinner consistency.
  • If you are using the sauce for burgers, reduce the chicken broth, white wine, and lemon juice to create a thicker consistency.
  • Add some fresh herbs and basil for extra flavour.

This sauce is perfect for those who enjoy the distinct flavour of goat cheese. It is a versatile sauce that can be served with pasta, chicken, fish, or burgers. You can also experiment with different types of pasta, such as chickpea or whole-wheat spaghetti.

Frequently asked questions

Spinach and goat cheese can be combined in a variety of recipes, including pasta, tarts, and crostini. For example, a spinach and goat cheese pasta can be made by cooking pasta al dente, melting butter over medium heat, stirring in garlic, and then adding in the cooked pasta, goat cheese, parmesan, lemon juice, and spinach. A spinach and goat cheese tart can be made by combining spinach with yoghurt, nutmeg, salt, and pepper, spreading the mixture on a pie crust, adding slices of goat cheese, and then baking in the oven. A spinach and goat cheese crostini can be made by topping small toasts with a garlicky spinach mixture, sprinkling goat cheese on top, and then baking.

Combining spinach and goat cheese can be a delicious and simple way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. Spinach is a nutrient-rich vegetable that provides various health benefits, while goat cheese offers a creamy texture and distinct flavour that complements the spinach well.

When making dishes with spinach and goat cheese, it is important to note that the cheese should not be stirred into the spinach, as this can diminish its distinct flavour. Instead, it is recommended to add the cheese in soft dollops on top of the spinach. Additionally, reserving some of the pasta water when making spinach and goat cheese pasta can help create a creamy and silky sauce.

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