Simply Spinach

Let’s face it, spinach is green. Though we are told to eat dark green, leafy vegetables, some of us do not always look fondly upon them. I know growing up I was not always a fan of the green stuff. Thankfully, my mother never gave up her pursuit of feeding us healthy foods and today, I love the green stuff!

I want to share with you a delicious way of sneaking spinach into your family’s meals. My recipe for you today is one simple, low-fat, healthy sauce, that has endless possibilities. And no one will ever know there is spinach involved. This recipe is enough to make many meals, so you can refrigerate or freeze to use again.

Spinach pesto

1 lb spinach leaves
½ cup toasted almonds, cashews, or walnuts
8 oz fat free plain Greek yogurt
1- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons roasted garlic
1-2 teaspoons flax oil

Combine nuts and as much spinach as you can into a food processor and blend until spinach and nuts are chopped, continue by adding the remaining spinach and all other ingredients. Blend until smooth. Season to taste.

Ways to enjoy your pesto

• Toss with whole wheat pasta and diced chicken for dinner.

• Spoon onto refrigerated pizza dough, or prepared store bought crust. Top with roasted vegetables and low-fat shredded cheese. I recommend zucchini, squash, red onion, broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, and mushrooms. This is a great way to use up extra veggies you have in the house.

• Smother toasted English muffins, top with thick sliced tomato, and fresh mozzarella. Broil. Enjoy as a snack or light lunch.

• Add some lemon juice and use as a salad dressing.

• Use as a dip for fresh vegetables and baked pita chips.

• Spread onto toast, and top with eggs for breakfast.

• Spread onto whole wheat tortilla; add sliced turkey, sprouts, and cucumber for a healthy wrap for lunch.

I hope you enjoy your spinach with this simple sauce. Spinach is loaded with vitamins and is one of the richest sources of beta carotene out there. So give it a shot, you may just have a new family favorite on your hands.

Submitted by Rachel Fiedler. Rachel is a chef and attends Family Harvest Church in Tinley Park.