Spinach flakes are dehydrated spinach used to add nutrients and flavor to many dishes, including soups, dips, sauces, smoothies, and baked goods like bread and muffins. They are a convenient way to use spinach, offering a long shelf life and requiring no chopping or washing.
Common uses for spinach flakes
Smoothies:
Add a nutritional boost without altering the flavor much, notes Harmony House Foods.
Eggs:
Sprinkle into scrambles, omelets, or quiches for extra flavor and color, according to Harmony House Foods and Mountain Rose Herbs Blog.
Soups and stews:
Easily add to any soup, stew, or chili for extra nutrients, says Harmony House Foods.
Breads and baked goods:
Incorporate into the dough for homemade bread, muffins, or crackers to create a healthier treat.
Dips and spreads:
Mix into homemade dips, sauces, or spreads, such as spinach dip, suggests Harmony House Foods.
Pasta and pizza:
Stir into pasta sauces or sprinkle on top of pizza for an extra boost, according to Its Delish and My Spice Sage.
Other meals:
Use in casseroles, meatloaf, burgers, or even mashed potatoes.
Camping and travel:
Ideal for camping, backpacking, and travel due to their lightweight and long shelf life, notes Harmony House Foods.
Tips for using spinach flakes
Rehydrate for some uses:
You can rehydrate flakes by covering them with water and simmering until tender. You can then season and use them like fresh spinach, for example, with butter and salt, says Rainy Day Foods.
Use as a binding agent:
Crush the flakes into crumbs and use them as a binder in meatloaf or burgers, according to The Purposeful Pantry.
Consider spinach powder:
For an even finer texture, you can turn flakes into powder for use in pasta, baked goods, and smoothies, notes a YouTube video