To Prepare Fresh Spinach

Because of its high water content, spinach should be cooked only in the water that clings to its leaves after washing. Do not boil in water. For a really superb flavour, add several tablespoons fresh butter, season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and cook as in the basic recipe overleaf.

It is necessary to wash spinach well in several changes of cold water, at the same time removing any possible sand or grit, and all yellowed or damaged leaves and tough stalks.