How to Cook Spinach With Potatoes?

By Askfy Team

Cooking spinach with potatoes is a simple and healthy dish enjoyed in many parts of the world. In South Africa, this dish is popular and is often called “spinach and potato stew” or “spinach and potato curry.” It’s a nutritious meal that brings together the benefits of both spinach and potatoes in a delicious way. Here’s how to make it, along with different variations and helpful cooking tips.

The Ingredients

Before we start cooking, let’s take a look at the two main ingredients:

Spinach: This leafy green is packed with iron, vitamins A, C, and K, and fiber. It’s very nutritious and grows well in South Africa. Sometimes, it’s replaced with morogo (a wild African spinach).
Potatoes: Potatoes are a common and affordable food. They provide carbohydrates, potassium, and vitamin C, making the dish more filling and substantial.

Simple Spinach and Potatoes Recipe

Here’s a basic recipe for cooking spinach and potatoes:

Ingredients:

2 bunches of spinach, washed and chopped
4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons of cooking oil (vegetable or olive oil)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup of water or vegetable broth

Instructions:

Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the onions and garlic to the pot, and cook until they soften and become fragrant (about 5 minutes).
Add the potato cubes and stir them to coat in the oil. Cook for another 5 minutes.
Pour in the water or broth, then bring the mixture to a boil.
Lower the heat, cover the pot, and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the potatoes are nearly cooked.
Add the chopped spinach and stir well.
Cover the pot and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the spinach wilts and the potatoes are fully cooked.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot as a side or a main dish.

This recipe is easy to prepare, but you can also make different versions of it depending on what you like.

Variations

There are several ways to change the recipe and add more flavor:

Spicy Version: Add 1-2 chopped chili peppers or a teaspoon of peri-peri sauce to the onions for a spicy kick.
Creamy Version: Stir in ½ cup of cream or coconut milk at the end for a creamier dish.
Meaty Version: Add 200g of bacon or beef to the pot before cooking the onions.
Curried Version: Add 2 teaspoons of curry powder to the onions for a flavorful twist.
Cheesy Version: Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese on top before serving.

Nutritional Benefits

This dish is healthy and packed with nutrients:

Spinach: Rich in iron, vitamins A and C, and fiber, it helps with digestion and supports your immune system.
Potatoes: They provide vitamin C, potassium, and complex carbohydrates for energy.
Onions and Garlic: Both are good sources of antioxidants and can help boost your immune system.

Tips for Cooking Spinach and Potatoes

Here are some tips to make sure your dish turns out perfect:

Don’t Overcook the Spinach: Spinach cooks quickly. Add it near the end to keep its bright green color and retain its nutrients.
Cut Even Potato Cubes: Cutting the potatoes evenly ensures that they cook at the same time.
Taste Before Adding Salt: If you’re using broth or stock cubes, check the saltiness before adding extra salt.
Adjust Texture: For a thicker dish, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot.

How to Serve Spinach and Potatoes

In South Africa, this dish is often served in several ways:

As a side dish with braai (barbecue meat)
With pap (maize porridge)
Alongside fresh homemade bread
As a vegetarian main dish, sometimes topped with a fried egg

Modifying the Recipe for Different Diets

This dish can be changed to fit different diets:

Vegan: Use olive oil instead of butter, and skip any cream or cheese.
Low-Carb: Replace the potatoes with cauliflower for a low-carb version.
Gluten-Free: The recipe is naturally gluten-free, so no modifications are necessary.

Other Cooking Methods

While the stovetop is the most common way to cook this dish, you can also try other methods:

Slow Cooker: Add all the ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours.
Oven-Baked: Layer the ingredients in a baking dish, cover, and bake at 180°C for 45 minutes.
Microwave: If you’re in a hurry, microwave the potatoes until they’re nearly tender, then add the rest of the ingredients and continue cooking in short bursts.

Storing and Reheating

You can store leftovers and reheat this dish easily:

Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water or broth if it seems dry.
You can freeze portions for up to 3 months for later meals.

Pairing the Dish with South African Wines

For those who like to pair wine with their meals, try these South African wines with spinach and potatoes:

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc from the Western Cape
A light Pinotage if you’ve added meat to the dish
A refreshing Chenin Blanc for a summer meal

Encouraging Kids to Eat Spinach

This dish is a great way to introduce kids to spinach and other leafy greens:

Let kids help wash and tear the spinach into smaller pieces.
Cut the potatoes into fun shapes before cooking.
Share stories about spinach, like how Popeye got stronger after eating it, to make the dish more fun!

Common Questions

Q: Can I use other greens besides spinach?

A: Yes, you can swap spinach with other greens like kale, chard, or collard greens. Just remember, some greens might take longer to cook than spinach.

Q: What other veggies can I add?

A: You can mix in carrots, peas, zucchini, or bell peppers to add more flavor and variety. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time for each vegetable.

Q: How can I make this dish with less oil?

A: To use less oil, cook with a non-stick pan and reduce the oil to just 1 tablespoon. You can also steam the spinach and potatoes instead of frying them in oil.

Q: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

A: Definitely! Sweet potatoes are a great alternative and will add a hint of sweetness to the dish. They may cook a little faster, so keep an eye on them.

Q: Is this dish good for meal prep?

A: Yes, it’s perfect for meal prepping. Make a big batch and store it in the fridge or freezer for easy meals later. It tastes even better the next day!

Q: Can I cook this in an air fryer?

A: While it’s usually made on the stove, you can air-fry the potatoes until crispy and then mix them with the cooked spinach, onions, and garlic for a different texture.

Q: How can I add more protein to this dish?

A: Add chickpeas, lentils, or tofu for extra protein. You could also top the dish with a poached or fried egg for a protein boost.

Q: How do I store leftovers, and how long do they last?

A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can freeze it too—just cool it down first, and it’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I make this without garlic or onions?

A: Yes, if you don’t like or can’t eat garlic or onions, you can skip them. To add flavor, try using ginger or some herbs like thyme or rosemary instead.

Q: What can I serve with this dish to make it a full meal?

A: Pair it with grilled chicken, fish, or even a fried egg to make it more filling. You could also serve it with a grain like rice or quinoa.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?

A: The best way is to reheat it on the stovetop with a little water or broth to keep it from drying out. If you’re in a hurry, use the microwave and stir halfway through.

Q: Can I serve this dish cold?

A: Yes, you can eat it cold like a salad. Add some olive oil and lemon juice for extra flavor, and it’s great for warm days.

Conclusion

Cooking spinach with potatoes is an easy and versatile way to make a healthy, satisfying meal. Whether you stick with the basic recipe or experiment with different flavors, this dish is sure to please both your taste buds and your health. Follow these steps, and enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal that you can feel good about eating!