Spinach is a good example of why it’s important to eat those leafy greens: It is endowed with beta-carotene, folic acid, magnesium, potassium, and iron. Fennel, while a nutritional lightweight, adds fiber, flavor, and those feathery fronds for garnish.
Serves 4
2 large bunches curly spinach, about 1 1/2 pounds
1 large fennel bulb, about 1 pound
2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon unsalted butter
Wash spinach thoroughly. Remove thick stems and discard. Set leaves aside.
Remove feathery fronds from fennel and reserve for garnish. Remove and discard core. Cut fennel into 1/2-inch pieces. Place in a pot (large enough to accommodate the spinach) with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil. Lower heat to medium and cook, covered, for 20 minutes, until very soft.
Add spinach to pot, and bring to a boil. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until spinach is tender but still bright green.
Immediately drain fennel and spinach in a colander under cold running water to fix color. Drain thoroughly. Place in bowl of a food processor. Process until very smooth.
Transfer to saucepan. Add freshly ground black pepper to taste. Heat gently before serving. Garnish with finely chopped fennel fronds and coarse sea salt.
About The Author
Patrick Blanchard MD
Meet Dr. Blanchard
Dr. Blanchard’s medical practice is an embodiment of Integrative health which brings conventional and complementary approaches together in a coordinated way. Conveniently located in sunny Florida and over the internet with ValiseMD’s secure HIPPA compliant telXmed servers. Since 1994, patients with a wide range of challenging medical problems have achieved optimum health using the best of natural medicine, judiciously combined with high-tech innovations. Breakthroughs are often achieved even after patients have consulted mainstream specialists and holistic practitioners.
Dr. Blanchard is founder and CEO of ValiseMD, Inc. He is board certified in Family Medicine since 1994 and awarded Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians in 2001. He received the ‘Teacher of the Year’ award from the University of Kansas School of Medicine at completion of his residency in Family Medicine. He completed a fellowship at Wake Forest University in the field of vascular neurosonology. He holds a medical patent in the field of Gastroenterology. He holds an unrestricted license to practice medicine and surgery in Florida. He started his medical career as a Emergency Medical Technician, then as a Paramedic and later a Medical Doctor.
