Best Spicy Spinach Recipes

SPICY BUTTERNUT SQUASH PASTA WITH SPINACH

Steps:

• Bring a large covered pot of heavily salted water to a boil.
• Meanwhile, in a 12-inch ovenproof skillet with high sides and a tight-fitting lid (or a Dutch oven), heat the oil over medium-high until shimmering. Add the squash and season with salt, cumin and red-pepper flakes. Cook, stirring every minute, until squash becomes browned in spots and feels just tender, 6 to 8 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat the oven to 400 degrees. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook, uncovered, until not quite al dente, 3 to 4 minutes less than the package instructions. (It should be a little too firm to the bite.) Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water and drain. If the pasta is done before the squash, then stir in a drizzle of olive oil so that it doesn't stick together.
• When the squash is just tender, add the broth. Bring to an active simmer, cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the squash is soft and easily mashable, 10 to 12 minutes. Turn off the heat, then use a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon to crush about half of the butternut squash and leave the rest chunky. Season the squash to taste, keeping in mind that salty Parmesan will be added soon.
• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with 1 cup reserved pasta water and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, stirring vigorously to combine. Stir in the spinach one handful at a time until it shrinks down a little.
• Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan, the mozzarella and jalapeño, then place in the oven, on a sheet pan if you are worried about dripping. Cook until the top is melted and browned in spots, 12 to 15 minutes. Drizzle with olive oil, top with parsley and serve.

TURKEY SAUSAGE-SPINACH LASAGNA WITH SPICY TOMATO SAUCE

Steps:

• Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add sausages; sauté until brown, using fork to break up meat into coarse pieces, about 7 minutes. Add Spicy Tomato Sauce. Simmer 5 minutes.
• Position rack in center of oven; preheat to 375°F. Whisk ricotta, spinach, 1 cup Parmesan, eggs, cream, basil, oregano and pepper in large bowl. Set aside. Spoon 1 cup sauce over bottom of 13 x 9 x 2-inch glass baking dish. Place 3 noodles over sauce in single layer. Spread 1 cup sauce over noodles. Spoon 1 cup ricotta mixture over sauce. Sprinkle 1/4 cup Parmesan and 1 cup provolone over ricotta mixture. Repeat layering with 3 noodles, 1 cup sauce, 1 cup ricotta mixture, 1/4 cup Parmesan and 1 cup provolone. Arrange remaining 3 noodles over cheese. Spoon 1 cup sauce over noodles. Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan and 1 cup provolone over lasagna. Dollop remaining ricotta mixture atop lasagna. Spoon 2 1/2 cups sauce around ricotta dollops. Tightly cover baking dish with foil.
• Bake lasagna 50 minutes; uncover and continue baking until noodles are tender and lasagna is hot and bubbly, about 25 minutes longer. Let lasagna stand 15 minutes before serving. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cool slightly. Cover and refrigerate. Rewarm, covered with foil, in 350°F. oven about 45 minutes.)
• Meanwhile, rewarm remaining sauce in small saucepan over medium heat. Serve lasagna, passing remaining sauce.

SPICY RICE NOODLES WITH CRISPY TOFU AND SPINACH

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. As the oven heats, press the tofu (you can do this by sandwiching the block in paper towels and placing a cutting board, plus a heavy pot, can or book on top).
• Cut the tofu into 1/2-inch cubes and place in a medium bowl. Add the salt and oils, and toss to combine.
• Sprinkle the cornstarch, panko and sesame seeds, if using, and toss gently so the tofu cubes are coated.
• Spread on the prepared sheet and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, flipping once, until golden-brown and crisp.
• While the tofu bakes, start the noodles: Put the dry rice noodles in a big, wide bowl. Fill a kettle, bring the water to a boil, and pour the boiling water over the noodles to cover. Set aside for 6 to 10 minutes, until the noodles are fully rehydrated and soft. (Time may vary by brand.) Then drain, rinse with cold water, and drain again. Transfer noodles to a large bowl.
• As the noodles soak, prepare the spicy sesame oil: In a small pot, combine sesame oil, peanut oil, garlic, ginger, red-pepper flakes and sesame seeds. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook on the lowest heat for 10 to 12 minutes, until the garlic slices turn golden.
• Meanwhile, on your cutting board, make a small mound with the teaspoon of salt. Place the basil and the scallions on top, and use your knife to furiously chop and smash until you have a rough paste.
• Mix the basil paste into the bowl of rice noodles. Pile the baby spinach on top. Pour at least half of the hot oil immediately over the spinach, tossing so that the heat wilts the leaves slightly. Then add the juice of the 1/2 lime and toss to combine. Taste for salt and lime juice, and add more oil as you see fit.
• Arrange the tofu on top of the noodles, or mix them in so that the cubes hide like little treasures. For extra flair, garnish with additional sesame seeds and a drizzle of toasted sesame oil.

SWEET AND SPICY HONEY-GLAZED GRILLED CHICKEN WITH SPINACH SALAD AND PANTRY DRESSING

Steps:

• For the chicken: Preheat a grill or oven to 450 degrees F. If using a gas grill, set to medium-high heat on one side and low on the other side. If using a charcoal grill, bank hot coals on one side of the grill.
• Brush the chicken with the oil and season with the spice mix and a liberal amount of salt and pepper. Put the chicken on the hot side of the grill bone-side down, close the lid and cook for 3 to 4 minutes.
• Meanwhile, whisk together the honey, mustard and soy sauce in a small bowl.
• Flip the chicken, brush with the glaze and grill for 1 to 2 minutes. Move the chicken to the cool side of the grill bone-side down and apply the remaining glaze. Close the lid, open the vents halfway if using a charcoal grill and continue to cook until the chicken registers 160 degrees F in the thickest part, 15 to 20 minutes longer. If using the oven, place the chicken bone-side down on a baking sheet and roast, brushing with the glaze occasionally, until the chicken registers 160 degrees F in the thickest part, 25 to 30 minutes.
• For the spinach salad: In a medium bowl, mix together the spinach, chickpeas and onions in a large bowl; set aside.
• Put a heavy-bottomed skillet on the hot side of the grill, add the bacon and cook until crisp.
• Add the vinegar, mustard, and honey to an almost-empty ketchup container and shake vigorously (or whisk together the vinegar, mustard, honey and ketchup in a small bowl). Remove the skillet from the heat and mix in the ketchup mixture to make a warm dressing.
• Pour the dressing over the greens and toss together. Transfer the greens to a platter and top with the chicken.

SPICY MANDARIN SPINACH SALAD

Steps:

• Combine reserved liquid from mandarin oranges, canola oil, olive oil, mustard, cloves, and Chinese five-spice powder in a jar with a tight-fitting lid; seal jar and shake vigorously until the dressing emulsifies.
• Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir pecans and sugar into the butter; let simmer until hot, 1 to 2 minutes. Season the pecans with rosemary and cayenne pepper; continue cooking another 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat and drain pecans on a plate lined with paper towels.
• Toss spinach leaves and green onion together in a large mixing bowl; top with mandarin oranges and pecans. Drizzle dressing over the salad to serve.

SPINACH AND CITRUS SALAD WITH SWEET AND SPICY PECANS

Steps:

• Put the spinach and green onions in large salad bowl and sprinkle with the halved citrus supremes. In a small saute pan over medium heat, add the butter and sugar and stir until the butter is melted. Add the pecans and toss until the pecans begin to brown. Stir in the rosemary and cayenne and stir just a few seconds to release the aroma. Remove from the heat and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Sprinkle the pecans on the salad while still warm. Drizzle the dressing over salad and serve.
• In a small bowl, add all the ingredients and whisk until emulsified.

SPICY, HOT AFRICAN CHICKEN WITH SPINACH

Steps:

• Rinse off chicken and cut off extra fat. Sprinkle with salt. Set aside.
• Peel garlic cloves (4-6).
• Wash and dry spinach.
• Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot. Keep heat low so oil does not smoke.
• Add garlic to oil in pan and heat until brown, remove with spoon and set aside (be careful)
• Add chicken to pan and turn heat to medium.
• Put a good sear on the chicken until it is browned.
• Add half water to pan and deglaze. This will get the chicken flavor off the bottom of the pan.
• Add bouillon and pepper to water and bring to a boil. You now have your chicken simmering in a broth.
• Reduce pan liquid by half. Cook until chicken is falling off the bone.
• Add peanut butter, browned garlic, and paprika.
• Add spinach and stir until all ingredient have integrated (10 minutes at least).
• Watch it close so it doesn't burn.
• The stew should be thick when you remove it. If its runny then let it simmer until it thickens.

SPICY MERGUEZ WITH SPINACH AND WHITE BEANS

Steps:

• Cook's Note: For television, Daniel Boulud substituted dried chick peas for the cannellini peas.
• Center a rack in the oven and preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.
• Heat 1/4 cup of the olive oil in a wide cast-iron pot or Dutch oven over high heat. Add the spinach, little by little, and cook, stirring continuously, until all the spinach has wilted and browned slightly and all the liquid has evaporated, 20 to 30 minutes.
• Add the onions, garlic, mint, cilantro, harissa (or cayenne), black pepper, and Four-Spice Powder and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes.
• Pour in 4 cups water and add the cannellini beans (or black-eyed peas). Stir, bring to a simmer, and cover. Braise in the oven for 2 hours, or until the beans are nearly tender.
• Meanwhile, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Sear the merguez on all sides, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate lined with a paper towel to drain.
• Stir the lemon juice into the beans and place the seared merguez on top. Cover and continue to braise until the beans are tender and the sausage is cooked through, about 30 minutes more. Season with salt to taste.
• This recipe was provided by professional chefs and has been scaled down from a bulk recipe provided by a restaurant. The Food Network Kitchens chefs have not tested this recipe, in the proportions indicated, and therefore, we cannot make any representation as to the results.
• In a spice grinder or clean coffee grinder, finely grind the cloves and black pepper together. Transfer to a bowl and combine with the nutmeg and ginger.

SPICY SAUTéED SPINACH

Steps:

• Heat ghee in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add scallions, chiles, garlic, and mustard seeds. Cook, stirring often, until garlic begins to brown and mustard seeds pop, about 1 minute. Add spinach to skillet by the handful, allowing it to wilt between additions. Cook, tossing often, until spinach is tender, 5-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

SPICY SOUTH OF THE BORDER SPINACH CHEESE DIP

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
• Saute onion in skillet over medium heat in oil until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and chiles, let cook 2 minutes.
• Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and stir in spinach, cheese, cream cheese, half and half, and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Spoon mixture into shallow baking dish like a 9 inch quiche dish or pie plate.
• Bake in the preheated oven until the dip is bubbly and the top is light brown, about 35 minutes.

GRILLED SPINACH SALAD WITH SPICY CREOLE SHRIMP

Steps:

• Fire up the grill to medium-high.
• Cook's Note: The order of food on the grill for the Spinach Salad is - Asparagus and red bell pepper chunks go in the wok first, then the spinach. The shrimp go on the grill about 5 minutes after the asparagus and red pepper.
• For the salad:
• Spray your grill grid wok with olive oil cooking spray (away from the grill). Put the wok on the grill and once it is hot, add the chopped asparagus and red pepper. Drizzle with olive oil (maybe 1 to 2 tablespoons), season with salt and pepper and stir. Cook for about until veggies glisten, about 10 minutes. Add the spinach and toss, allowing the grill to do its thing. Once the spinach begins to turn dark, meaning it has begun to cook, which takes about 5 more minutes). Take the salad off the grill and put it in a microwave/oven safe bowl (I do this in case I need to put it in a warm oven for 1 or 2 minutes, while everything else finishes up. This salad is best when hot. Immediately squeeze the lemon juice over the top, add the feta cheese and toss. Steam should rise up from the bowl and you're ready to eat this!
• For the shrimp:
• Add shrimp and marinade to a 1 gallon resealable bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (longer is better). Skewer the shrimp onto flat metal skewers (so you can turn the shrimp without them spinning) and grill until pink), a few minutes on each side, basting with the marinade as they cook. Remove from the grill to a serving platter, season with salt and pepper, to taste, and serve with the spinach salad.
• A viewer, who may not be a professional cook, provided this recipe. The Food Network Kitchens chefs have not tested this recipe and therefore, we cannot make representation as to the results.

HOT SPINACH BALLS & SPICY MUSTARD SAUCE

Steps:

• Mustard Sauce:.
• To make the spicy russian mustard sauce combine the dry mustard and vinegar in a small bowl.
• Cover and let stand at room temperature overnight.
• Next day, in a small pan, combine the mustard vinegar mixture, sugar and egg yolk and simmer over low heat.
• Cover and store in fridge for up to 1 month.
• When ready to use this delicious spicy mustard serve it at room temperature.
• Spinach Balls:
• (MOST IMPORTANT) Please make sure that the spinach is very well drained, there should be no liquid left in the spinach at all.
• Next combine all the ingredients into a large bowl and mix well.
• Then roll the spinach mixture into balls.
• Place the spinach balls on a cookie sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once the spinach balls are frozen place in a freezer bag and keep frozen until needed.
• Bake frozen in a 350 degree oven for 15 - 25 minutes.
• Please check the spinach balls after 15 minutes as all ovens vary.
• The balls should be firm when touched, cook longer if necessary.

ARTICHOKE, SPINACH, AND PROSCIUTTO FLATBREADS WITH SPICY HONEY

Steps:

• Position racks in middle and upper third of oven and preheat to 475ºF.
• Heat oil in large heavy skillet over medium. Add garlic and parsley and cook, stirring, 30 seconds. Add spinach and artichokes, toss to coat, and cook, covered, until artichokes are tender, 10-12 minutes. Uncover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until juices thicken, about 2 minutes. Season with 1/2 tsp. salt and a pinch of black pepper. Remove from heat and stir in lemon zest.
• Sprinkle 2 rimless baking sheets with cornmeal. Roll out half of the dough on floured surface to a 12x7" oval. Transfer to baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough.
• Sprinkle each round with 1/2 cup Parmesan, then top evenly with artichoke and spinach mixture. Top with remaining 1 cup Parmesan and season with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Bake, rotating sheets halfway through, until crust is golden brown, 20-22 minutes.
• Meanwhile, combine honey and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
• Remove flatbreads from oven. Top with prosciutto and drizzle with spicy honey. Cut flatbreads into wedges and serve.

CHANA MASALA (SPICY CHICKPEAS) WITH SPINACH

Steps:

• In a large skillet or frying pan, sautee onions and garlic in olive oil until soft, about 3-5 minutes.
• Add chickpeas straight from the can, including all the water.
• Add spices and lemon juice, cover, and simmer about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, adding more water if needed, until chickpeas are browned and soft.
• Reduce heat, add spinach and cover.
• Allow spinach to wilt for 2-4 minutes.
• Serve immediately.

SPICY SPINACH ARTICHOKE DIP

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350° F. Spray 9-inch pie plate with cooking spray. Cook spinach as directed on box. Drain well; squeeze with paper towel to get out as much liquid as possible; set aside.
• Spray 10-inch skillet with cooking spray. Place bacon in skillet; cook over medium heat until crispy. Using slotted spoon, transfer to paper towel-lined plate; set aside. Add onions and serrano chile to bacon drippings in pan; cook 7 to 9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are caramelized.
• Meanwhile, in large bowl, mix cream cheese, chili garlic sauce and sour cream; stir in spinach and artichokes.
• Stir onion mixture into spinach mixture. Pour into pie plate. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until hot in center. Top with reserved bacon; serve with crackers, crostini or vegetables.

SPICY CHICKEN BARLEY SOUP WITH SWEET POTATOES AND SPINACH

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large soup pot over high heat.
• Add the onion and salt and saute until limp, about 3 minutes.
• Add all the spices and saute until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
• Add the tomato paste and saute for another minute, until darkened but not burned (if the tomato paste looks too dark too quickly, lower the heat).
• Add the garlic and continue to saute for 1 minute longer.
• Return the heat to high if you lowered it, then add the broth, 2 cups water, and the barley to the pot.
• Bring to a boil and let simmer for 30 minutes.
• Add the sweet potato and continue to cook until the barley and sweet potato are soft, about 30 minutes to an hour more, adding more water to the pot if necessary (it should not get too thick).
• Add the chicken, partially cover the pot, lower the heat to med-low, and simmer for 10 minutes.
• Add the spinach and cilantro to the pot and continue simmering until the spinach is wilted, about 5 minutes longer.
• Stir in the lemon juice and more salt if desired.
• Serve garnished cilantro and lemon wedges.

SPICY QUINOA AND SPINACH PULAO (PILAF)

Steps:

• Heat olive oil in a large wok over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let sizzle for 30 seconds. Add garlic, ground cumin, coriander, chile powder, ginger, chile pepper, pav bhaji masala, and turmeric; saute until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in onion; saute until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and cook until the tomato smell goes away. Mix in spinach; cook until wilted, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Pour water and quinoa into the wok. Bring to a simmer; cook, stirring occasionally, until water is absorbed, 8 to 12 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and lemon wedges.

GRILLED CHICKEN AND SPINACH SALAD WITH SPICY PINEAPPLE DRESSING

Steps:

• 1. Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Place chicken between 2 sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even thickness using a meat mallet or small heavy skillet. Sprinkle both sides of chicken evenly with chili powder and salt. Lightly coat chicken with cooking spray. Add chicken to pan; cook for 3 minutes on each side or until done. Remove from pan; set aside. 2. Combine half of pineapple, cilantro, orange juice, vinegar, habanero, and garlic in blender; process until smooth. With blender on, gradually add olive oil until blended. 3. Combine remaining pineapple, jicama, and the remaining ingredients in a large bowl. Drizzle with 1/4 cup dressing and toss gently to coat. Divide salad evenly among 4 plates. Cut chicken across the grain into thin slices; divide chicken evenly over salads. Drizzle salads evenly with remaining 1/4 cup dressing.

SPICY SHRIMP AND SPINACH FETTUCINI ALFREDO

Steps:

• Heat the water for the pasta.
• Rinse, peel, and devein your shrimp.
• Sprinkle the shrimp with Cajun seasoning and set aside.
• In a small bowl stir together the flour and grated parmesan.
• Add your pasta to the boiling water.
• Heat 4TBSP of butter in one skillet over medium heat, add four cloves of minced garlic and sautee for a minute.
• Add drained spinach and stir often until heated through.
• While the spinach is heating, melt 2TBSP butter in a second skillet over medium to medium high heat. Watch this pan carefully you do not want to burn the butter.
• Stir 1 1/2 cups half and half into the spinach.
• Slowly sprinkle in the parmesan/flour combination stirring well.
• Reduce heat to low, season with pepper and stir occasionally.
• Add shrimp to the butter in the second skillet, reduce heat to medium and stir. The shrimp will cook quickly and it is important to remove them from the heat as soon as they are pink and the flesh is no longer translucent. If the shimp is overcooked it will become rubbery.
• Drain the pasta.
• To give your plates a professional look, scoop a serving of fettucini into the center of the plate and with tongs give the whole bunch a twist. This brings the noodles into a nice pile.
• Scoop a ladlefull of sauce over the noodles and arrange the shrimp on top.

SUNNY'S SPICY 5-INGREDIENT SPINACH ARTICHOKE DIP

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• Place a strainer over a medium bowl and drain the liquid from the artichoke jar into the bowl. Reserve the liquid and set aside the artichokes.
• Add 3 tablespoons liquid from the artichoke jar to a large saute pan over medium heat along with a pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper. Add the baby spinach in handfuls and stir until all the spinach is wilted, then cook for a few minutes, allowing the liquid to evaporate a bit. Meanwhile, chop the artichoke hearts and add them to a large bowl.
• Once the spinach is completely wilted down, add it to the chopped artichokes. Stir in the chive cream cheese, sour cream, 8 ounces pepper jack cheese and a pinch of black pepper and mix thoroughly with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon.
• Transfer the spinach mixture to an 8-inch square baking dish and smooth off the top. Top the dip with the remaining 4 ounces pepper jack cheese. Place on a sheet tray to catch any drips, and bake until the edges are bubbly and the top is golden, about 25 minutes. (If desired, broil for 2 to 3 minutes to brown the top further.) Serve with the tortilla chips.