Spinach & Feta: Cooking The Perfect Pair

how to cook spinach and feta cheese

Spinach and feta cheese is a delicious and healthy combination that can be cooked in a variety of ways. It can be used as a side dish, a filling for pita or wraps, or as an ingredient in a more complex recipe. One popular way to prepare spinach and feta cheese is by sautéing the spinach with garlic and olive oil, and then adding crumbled feta cheese to create a creamy dish. This can be served as a side or used as a sauce for pasta. For a more substantial meal, spinach and feta cheese can be baked into a casserole or incorporated into pasta dishes, adding ingredients like onions, lemon juice, and chili flakes to taste.

Characteristics and Values Table for Cooking Spinach and Feta Cheese

Characteristics Values
Type of Dish Pasta, Side Dish, Salad, Smoothie, Soup, Bake
Ingredients Spinach, Feta Cheese, Olive Oil, Garlic, Chili Flakes, Lemon Juice, Salt, Pepper, Parmesan Cheese, Pasta, Onions, Lemon Zest, Pistachios, Nutmeg, Green Onion, Red Pepper, Greek Seasoning
Cooking Methods Sautéing, Boiling, Baking
Cook Time Less than 30 minutes
Cuisine Mediterranean, Italian, Greek
Diet Gluten-free, Vegetarian

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Spinach and feta pasta

First, cook your pasta until it is al dente. Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are great choices for this recipe, as the small tubes capture the wilted spinach and creamy feta perfectly. If you prefer gluten-free pasta, simply use your favourite variety.

Next, heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and a touch of chili flakes (optional) to the pan and cook until fragrant, about 60 seconds. If you want to add onions, cook them in the olive oil until they are tender before adding the garlic.

Now it's time to add the spinach. Stir in the spinach, a handful at a time, tossing until the spinach is wilted, which should only take a few minutes. If using frozen spinach, be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess moisture.

Once the spinach is wilted, it's time to add the feta cheese. Using your hands, crumble a block of feta and add it to the skillet. Turn off the heat.

Finally, add the drained pasta, a splash of cooking water, and some lemon juice to the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined and coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve your spinach and feta pasta immediately. For an extra touch of flavour, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan cheese and additional chili flakes for extra heat. Enjoy!

This spinach and feta pasta is not only delicious but also versatile. It can be enjoyed as a meatless main course or paired with grilled meat or fish. It's a quick and easy dish that can be on the table in less than 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal.

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Spinach feta bake

Ingredients

  • Spinach
  • Feta cheese
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Lemon juice
  • Garlic
  • Chilli flakes
  • Parmesan cheese

Method

First, wash and trim the spinach. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and chilli flakes to the pan and cook until fragrant. You can also add onions at this stage if you like. Then, add the spinach, stirring until wilted.

Next, crumble the feta cheese and add it to the skillet. Turn off the heat. In a greased casserole dish, sprinkle parmesan cheese over the spinach and feta mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes.

For an extra touch of flavour, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the dish before serving. Enjoy!

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Creamy spinach with feta

This delicious side dish can be prepared in under 30 minutes with just five ingredients. It's a great accompaniment to any protein of your choice or can be enjoyed on its own for a healthy and tasty lunch.

Ingredients

  • Spinach
  • Feta Cheese
  • Olive Oil
  • Garlic
  • Lemon

Optional Ingredients

  • Chilli Flakes
  • Onions
  • Salt and Pepper
  • Parmesan Cheese

Instructions

First, wash and trim the spinach. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and chilli flakes (if using) to the pan and cook until fragrant (about 60 seconds). You can also add onions at this stage if you wish.

Next, add the spinach, stirring until wilted. This should take just a few minutes. You can also choose to sauté the spinach in the pan without blanching first if you prefer a less creamy texture.

Once the spinach is ready, crumble the feta cheese into the skillet and turn off the heat. Add lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with lemon zest, tossing gently.

Serve immediately while hot, with an optional drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and grated parmesan cheese.

Enjoy!

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Spinach with feta and lemon

First, boil spinach in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain the spinach in a colander. Alternatively, you can sauté the spinach in a pan instead of boiling it. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook until tender and translucent, about 5-6 minutes. You can also add garlic and chilli flakes to the olive oil for more seasoning and heat. Next, add 1 ½ tablespoons of lemon juice to the pan, followed by the spinach leaves. Toss the leaves in the pan for 1-2 minutes, or until the leaves are beginning to wilt and turn a darker green. Be careful not to overcook at this stage.

Remove the pan from the heat and add salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle the spinach with crumbled feta and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, tossing gently. Serve immediately while still warm. You can also add tomatoes, basil, and parmesan cheese if desired.

This dish is delicious and full of vitamins and nutrients. It is a great option for a quick and easy side or a light summer meal.

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Spinach and feta as a pita filling

Spinach and feta pita pockets are a tasty, full-flavoured, and healthy meal that can be whipped up quickly. The pita pockets can be homemade or store-bought. If you are making them at home, divide the dough into eight equal portions and form them into flat discs. For the filling, you will need spinach, feta, and mozzarella. You can also add red onions, scallions, dill, and cream cheese.

First, cook the scallions with a pinch of salt until they soften. Then, add the spinach in batches, seasoning each batch with salt and pepper. Once the spinach has wilted, remove the skillet from the heat and add the dill. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and spinach mixture. Adjust the seasoning to taste. Place two tablespoons of the spinach filling in the centre of each disc of dough, fold the edges over, and press into a disc. Transfer the pitas onto a baking tray and cook in the oven at 400°F/200°C for about 7-12 minutes, until the pita is crispy and the cheese has melted.

For a lighter option, you can use regular pita bread instead of whole wheat. You can also add a variety of vegetables, such as diced tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, and basil, and drizzle with olive oil and season with black pepper. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pita bread, and for a dairy-free option, substitute with vegan cheese.

Frequently asked questions

You can cook spinach with feta cheese in a variety of ways, including as a side dish, in a pasta, or as a bake. For a simple side dish, sauté the spinach in a hot pan until wilted, then sprinkle with feta and lemon zest.

You can use any type of feta you like. Cow feta has a subtle and sweet aroma, sheep feta is stronger, and goat feta is the strongest with a pungent smell.

To make spinach and feta pasta, sauté garlic in olive oil with chilli flakes, then add spinach and stir until wilted. Next, add crumbled feta and cooked pasta to the skillet, and stir. Finish with lemon juice, salt, and pepper, and serve with a drizzle of olive oil and grated parmesan.

To make a spinach and feta bake, simply prepare the spinach and feta as desired, then pour into a greased casserole dish and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes.

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