Quelites(Spinach)
A flavorful traditional dish featuring tender spinach cooked with onions, bacon, and chili seeds, offering a smoky, savory taste perfect for vegetable lovers and hearty meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the spinach and cook for 15 minutes or until tender.
- Fry chopped onions and bacon in butter until browned.
- Add cooked spinach, salt, vinegar, and chili seed to the skillet.
- Cook for 15 minutes, stirring frequently.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using olive oil instead of butter. If fresh spinach isn't available, frozen spinach can be used; just ensure to drain any excess water after cooking. You can also add garlic or a sprinkle of cheese for extra flavor. For a spicier kick, substitute the chili seed with your favorite hot pepper. This dish pairs well with any Mexican recipes that feature beans.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the quelites as a side dish alongside grilled meats, or as a filling in tacos or burritos. It complements well with rice and beans, particularly Frijoles Mexicanos. For a complete meal, pair it with Pinto Beans Caliente and a fresh salad for a nutritious, balanced plate.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring between, to avoid overcooking the spinach and bacon.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quelites(Spinach) contains roughly 72 calories, with 3g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1853mg per serving (81% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different greens instead of spinach?
Yes, you can substitute spinach with other greens like Swiss chard or kale. Just adjust the cooking time according to the greens' tenderness, as some may require a longer cooking period to soften.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
You can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using vegetable butter or olive oil. The flavor will still be delicious, especially with the addition of spices or herbs.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To enhance the spiciness of this dish, you can add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers along with the onions and bacon. Additionally, using hotter chili seeds or a dash of hot sauce before serving can elevate the heat level.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).