Spinach With Hearts Of Palm
A creamy, savory spinach and hearts of palm casserole with mushrooms, perfect as a comforting side dish for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 14 oz. can hearts of palm, drained and coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 2 packages (10 oz. each) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. margarine, divided ⓘ
- 1/2 c. plain yogurt or mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1/4 c. milk ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. fresh mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- In a glass baking dish coated with nonstick cooking spray, place chopped hearts of palm along the bottom.
- Squeeze all liquid from the thawed and drained spinach.
- In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of margarine.
- Add the spinach to the skillet and heat, then stir in flour, yogurt, milk, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well and spread the spinach mixture over the hearts of palm in the baking dish.
- In the remaining margarine, sauté the sliced mushrooms until tender.
- Season the mushrooms with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spread the sautéed mushrooms over the spinach mixture.
- Cover the dish with a topping or additional layer if desired and bake until heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Spinach With Hearts Of Palm, consider adding a dash of lemon juice or red pepper flakes for a bit of zing. If you're out of plain yogurt, sour cream can be a great substitute. For a creamier texture, add a bit more milk. Ensure your spinach is thoroughly drained to avoid a watery dish.
Serving Suggestions
Spinach With Hearts Of Palm makes a delightful side dish for grilled chicken or fish. It pairs beautifully with Kielbasa, Potato And Pepper Casserole for a hearty meal. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or crusty bread to soak up any remaining sauce. It's perfect for gatherings or as a comforting vegetarian option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish and cover with foil to retain moisture, then warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be careful not to overheat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach With Hearts Of Palm contains roughly 385 calories, with 8g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2443mg per serving (106% 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 fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach! You'll need about 1 pound of fresh spinach. Sauté it until wilted, then drain well before adding it to the mixture. This will give a fresher flavor and texture to the dish.
What can I substitute for margarine?
If you prefer not to use margarine, unsalted butter or olive oil can be great alternatives. Both will add richness to the dish. Just keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly, so choose based on your taste preference.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Spinach With Hearts Of Palm is great for meal prep. Prepare it ahead of time and store it in individual portions. Just reheat when ready to enjoy, making it a convenient and healthy option for busy days.
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).