The image of our favorite sailor famous cartoon character, conveniently squeezing a can of spinach into his mouth at a distance, is one most of us will never forget. I can’t say that this Popeye Spinach is quite that easy to prepare, but it is easy. And, this recipe gives a bit more flavor to this vegetable side for an updated take on a classic.

Spinach only takes a few minutes to cook and it really reduces in size when it does. With this recipe you start out with what looks like a lot of raw spinach and by the end you have 4 servings of this healthy veggie. There are so many wonderful nutrients and a ton of flavor packed into each bite! Calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, and fiber are just some of the good-for-you things you get when you have a serving of spinach.

After boiling the leaves for just a minute or two it’s time to make the flavorful sauce. This is a blend of sesame, honey, and soy sauce for an Asian-inspired take on spinach. It’s a dynamic combination that breathes a little life into what can otherwise be a pretty plain side of veggies.

Oh and you can make this gluten-free by using tamari sauce instead of soy sauce.

When you don’t want to make salad, this Popeye Spinach is a great way to enjoy your fresh spinach. And, hopefully the big sailor would approve- even if it it doesn’t come from a can.