Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Croatia with this incredible Spinach Stew (Pinat Cupajz). This isn't just another vegetable dish - it's a soul-warming, nutritious masterpiece that transforms simple ingredients into a symphony of flavors that will make you fall in love with Croatian home cooking. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a curious food adventurer, this recipe promises to surprise and delight you with its rich, comforting essence.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Croatian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 500g fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 potatoes, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 liter vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
Instructions
- Begin by thoroughly washing the fresh spinach under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit. Once cleaned, chop the spinach into smaller pieces and set aside.
- Peel and dice the potatoes into small cubes, approximately 1 cm in size. This will ensure they cook evenly and blend well with the other ingredients.
- Peel and chop the onion finely. Mince the garlic cloves and set both aside.
- In a large pot, heat a generous drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and continue to sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Next, add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir well to combine with the onions and garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the potatoes to absorb the flavors.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring that the potatoes are fully submerged. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the stew simmer for approximately 10 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- After the potatoes are cooked, add the chopped spinach to the pot. Stir well to combine, and allow the spinach to wilt and cook down, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning according to your preference. Stir well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Once the spinach is fully wilted and the flavors have melded together, remove the pot from the heat. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
- Serve the Croatian Spinach Stew hot, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Enjoy it as a hearty dish on its own or with crusty bread on the side.
Tips
- Spinach Selection: Choose fresh, vibrant green spinach leaves for the best flavor and nutrition. Organic spinach works wonderfully in this recipe.
- Potato Precision: Cut potatoes into uniform, small cubes to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the stew.
- Flavor Layering: Take your time when sautéing onions and garlic - this builds a deep, aromatic foundation for your stew.
- Broth Matters: Use a high-quality vegetable broth or homemade stock to enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Don't Overcook Spinach: Add spinach towards the end and cook just until wilted to preserve its bright color and nutritional value.
- Seasoning Secrets: Taste and adjust salt and pepper gradually. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it away.
- Serving Suggestion: A drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a slice of crusty bread can elevate this simple stew into a gourmet experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
