spanaki

Spanaki is the Greek word for spinach. It refers to the edible leaves of the spinach plant, Spinacia oleracea. This leafy green vegetable is a common ingredient in Greek cuisine, known for its nutritional value and versatility. Spanaki is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and folate.

In Greek cooking, spanaki is prepared in a variety of ways. It can be boiled, steamed, or sautéed and often served as a side dish. A popular dish is spanakorizo, a rice pilaf cooked with spinach and flavored with lemon and herbs. Spanaki is also a key component in spanakopita, a savory Greek pastry made with phyllo dough filled with spinach, feta cheese, and herbs. Fresh spanaki is generally preferred for its texture and flavor, though frozen spinach is also used. The preparation often involves wilting the leaves before incorporating them into other dishes.