Simple Spinach Recipe With Lemon Pepper And Butter
Disclosure: I originally received this product at a reduced price or for free. All opinions are my own and reflect my honest experience with it.
I love spinach, and when fresh spinach is not available-or I simply need a quick side dish-I reach for Allen's Popeye Spinach. It has the convenience of a pantry staple while still giving me the familiar flavor and texture I want on the plate. Allen's offers chopped, low-salt and regular spinach; I use the regular variety for this simple spinach recipe.
This is one of those uncomplicated vegetable sides that proves canned food does not have to taste dull. Butter adds richness, lemon pepper provides brightness, and a fresh lemon wedge lets everyone adjust the flavor at the table.
In This Article
Why I Use Allen's Popeye Spinach
I have used Allen's vegetables for years because the quality has been dependable for me. Their Popeye Spinach is especially useful when I do not have fresh or home-canned spinach ready to use. It also stores easily in the pantry, which makes it practical for busy evenings and meals when I need a vegetable on the table quickly.
If you are building a useful pantry rather than simply collecting cans, my food security preparedness guide explains more about choosing foods your household will actually eat.
Simple Spinach Recipe With Lemon Pepper And Butter
Ingredients
- 1 can Allen's Popeye Spinach, regular variety
- Butter, to taste
- Lemon pepper, to taste
- Salt, if needed
- Fresh lemon wedges or lemon juice, for serving
Instructions
- Drain the spinach. Open the can and carefully pour off the excess liquid. I often hold the easy-open lid in place and use it to help strain the spinach.
- Warm it gently. Transfer the spinach to a saucepan and place it over medium heat. Stir frequently so it heats evenly and does not stick to the bottom of the pan.
- Check the seasoning. Once the spinach is hot, taste it before adding salt. Canned spinach and lemon pepper may already contain enough seasoning.
- Finish each serving. Spoon the spinach onto the plates, make a small indentation in the center and add a pat of butter. Sprinkle with lemon pepper and place a fresh lemon wedge alongside it.
Tips For Making Canned Spinach Taste Better
- Do not overcook it. The spinach only needs to be heated through.
- Add the butter after plating so it melts slowly into the hot spinach.
- Serve lemon on the side. Some people like only a hint, while others enjoy a generous squeeze.
- Taste before salting, especially when using a seasoned lemon-pepper blend.
- For an optional finishing touch, add a light sprinkle of Parmesan. I also have several ways to use homemade Parmesan in everyday meals.
Serving And Storing Leftover Spinach
This spinach works well as a simple side with chicken, pork, fish or a meatless meal. Because the flavor is bright rather than heavy, it is also an easy vegetable to include with holiday meals.
Refrigerate leftovers promptly in a covered container. Reheat only the amount you plan to serve, using low heat on the stove or short intervals in the microwave. Add the fresh lemon after reheating so the citrus flavor stays lively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to rinse canned spinach?
No. For this recipe, I drain the spinach well but do not rinse it. Rinsing would remove more of the seasoned liquid and can make the spinach wetter when it goes into the pan.
Can I season the spinach while it cooks?
Yes. You can add the butter and lemon pepper in the saucepan, but I prefer finishing each serving on the plate. That lets everyone control the amount of butter, seasoning and lemon they receive.
Why add lemon to spinach?
Lemon adds a fresh, bright flavor that balances the richness of the butter and makes canned spinach taste less heavy. It also helps the dark green spinach look and taste more inviting.
The next time you need a quick vegetable side, pick up a can of Allen's Popeye Spinach and try it with butter, lemon pepper and fresh lemon. It takes only a few minutes, uses ingredients that are easy to keep on hand and has converted more than one person who thought they did not like spinach.
