Ghanaian-inspired Spinach with Garlic

Ingredients

In the original Romanian dish "Urzici cu usturoi," stinging nettles are used instead of spinach. However, since stinging nettles may not be readily available in Ghana, this recipe adapts the dish by substituting spinach. Additionally, traditional Ghanaian spices such as ginger, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper are incorporated to infuse the dish with Ghanaian flavors. We alse have the original recipe for Urzici cu usturoi, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) fresh spinach leaves 500g (1.1 lb) fresh spinach leaves
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Wash the spinach leaves thoroughly and remove any tough stems.
2. 2.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
3. 3.
   Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. 4.
   Add the spinach leaves to the pan and cook until wilted, stirring occasionally.
5. 5.
   Sprinkle the ground nutmeg and cayenne pepper over the spinach and mix well.
6. 6.
   Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7. 7.
   Season with salt to taste.
8. 8.
   Remove from heat and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Spinach — Make sure to thoroughly wash the spinach leaves to remove any dirt or grit. Remove any tough stems before cooking.
• Garlic — Mince the garlic finely to ensure it evenly distributes its flavor throughout the dish.
• Ginger — Grate the ginger using a fine grater to achieve a smooth texture and maximize its flavor infusion.
• Nutmeg — Use freshly ground nutmeg for the best flavor. Grate a whole nutmeg using a fine grater or use pre-ground nutmeg if unavailable.
• Cayenne pepper — Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your spice preference. Add more for a spicier dish or omit it for a milder flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the cooked spinach before serving.
• If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add a splash of coconut milk or vegetable broth while cooking the spinach.
• Feel free to customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
• Serve the Ghanaian-inspired Spinach with Garlic alongside a protein-rich main dish for a complete and balanced meal.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Ghanaian-inspired Spinach with Garlic as a side dish alongside traditional Ghanaian mains such as Jollof Rice, Grilled Chicken, or Fried Plantains. It can also be enjoyed as a light lunch or dinner when paired with a fresh salad and some crusty bread.

Presentation advice

Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or parsley to add a pop of color. Serve it in a vibrant bowl or on a decorative plate to enhance its visual appeal. The bright green color of the spinach will naturally make the dish visually appealing.