Leafy and green, spinach is a versatile superfood that is low in calories and fats and high in fiber and iron.
Just one cup gives you 56% of your daily value of Vitamin A and 14% of your daily value of Vitamin C, and there are plenty of simple and delicious ways to introduce it into your diet. It’s no wonder Popeye was such a fan!
Hearty Spinach & Meatball Soup
6
servingsWarm and filling, this hearty soup is an ideal choice for a cold winter's day.
Ingredients
- 3 cups
fresh spinach leaves
- 2
cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
- 1 ½ lbs.
lean ground beef
- ½ cup
Italian-style bread crumbs
- 1
egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons
sun-dried tomato pesto
- ½ teaspoon
kosher salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon
pepper, divided
- 1 tablespoon
canola oil
- 8 oz.
trinity mix (fresh diced onions, celery, bell peppers)
- 2
cans cannellini beans (15-19 oz.), drained
- 1
box unsalted chicken stock (32 oz.)
- ½ cup
grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Chop garlic. Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, tomato pesto, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper until blended. Shape into 1-inch meatballs (about 25-30).
Preheat a large stockpot on medium-high for two to three minutes.
Place oil in pan, then add meatballs (in batches); cook and turn for six to eight minutes or until browned. Remove meatballs from pan and set aside.
Add trinity mix and garlic to pan; cook and stir two to three minutes or until onions soften. Add spinach; cook two to three minutes or until spinach begins to wilt.
Reduce heat to medium-low; stir in beans, stock, meatballs and remaining ¼ teaspoon each of salt and pepper; simmer five to seven minutes or until meatballs are 160°F and soup is hot. Top with cheese and serve.
Healthy Tips:
- Go Fresh. - If you can, use fresh instead of frozen spinach, as freezing the leaves takes away some of its nutritional value
- Turn on the heat. - Cooked spinach has more health benefits than raw. This is because if you eat spinach uncooked, your body can’t completely break down the nutrients.
- Juice it! - Research shows that juiced spinach (like a healthy green juice or smoothie) actually provides the most amount of nutrients.
Notes about Spinach
How to Store Spinach
If you have leftover uncooked spinach, the best way to store it is in a plastic bag or container lined with a dry paper towel. Avoid excess moisture, as this will cause the leaves to rot more quickly. If it’s stored correctly, you can keep it up to three weeks before it’s ready to toss.
Spinach Season
Spinach is a hardy green that can endure cold temperatures, making it a great option in winter. If you have a yard (or even a big pot) you can give spinach growing a shot with a cool-season garden. Late winter is one of the best times to plant spinach, so start planning now!
