Tomato Spinach Spread
This chef-curated Tomato Spinach Spread offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Ready in just 30 mins using straightforward, kitchen-tested technique.
- ✓Delivers 35g of muscle-fueling protein per serving for lasting satiety.
- ✓Portion-balanced at 415 calories per serving with wholesome, unrefined ingredients.
- ✓Masterclass temperature checkpoints ensure maximum tenderness and flavor development.
The Story
This chef-curated Tomato Spinach Spread offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.
Culinary Heritage & Chef's Notes
In the NutriGuide test kitchen, Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas refined this classic Tomato Spinach Spread to celebrate vibrant, wholesome ingredients. By prioritizing aromatic layering and precise thermal control, this recipe achieves remarkable culinary depth while preserving natural micronutrients and wholesome texture.
At NutriGuide, our mission is to ensure that home cooking is both accessible and culinary-grade. When executing Tomato Spinach Spread, focus on fresh aromatics, dry surface contact for proper searing, and allowing the food to rest before serving.
Ingredients & Measurements
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream
- cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 medium tomatoes, seeded and
- chopped
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen
- chopped spinach, thawed and
- squeezed dry
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- PITA TRIANGLES:
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 whole pita breads
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon lemon-pepper
- seasoning
Chef's Sourcing & Quality Tips:
- Produce & Aromatics: Always use fresh whole aromatics and seasonal herbs rather than dehydrated powders when possible.
- Cooking Oils: Utilize cold-pressed oils with appropriate smoke points such as extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil.
- Salt & Seasoning: Season from a modest height above the pan to ensure an even, uniform crystalline dispersion.
Step-by-Step Culinary Masterclass
Follow these sequential steps with careful attention to sensory cues and cooking temperatures:
Step 1: Technique & Execution
In a small mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, milk, salt and cayenne until smoothStep 2: Technique & Execution
Stir in the tomatoes, spinach and onionStep 3: Technique & Execution
Spoon into an ungreased microwave-safe 9-in. pie plateStep 4: Technique & Execution
Microwave, uncovered, on high for 5 minutes or until heated through, stirring onceStep 5: Technique & Execution
Meanwhile, combine butter and oil; brush over both sides of pitasStep 6: Technique & Execution
Cut each pita into eight wedges; place on ungreased baking sheetsChef's Pro Tips & Variations
Nutritional Profile per Serving
| Metric | Amount | Dietary Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 415 kcal | Controlled caloric load for steady metabolic burn |
| Protein | 35g | High-biological-value protein for tissue maintenance |
| Carbohydrates | 28g | Complex, slow-digesting dietary fiber |
| Fat | 19g | Wholesome dietary lipids for micronutrient absorption |
Tomato Spinach Spread
This chef-curated Tomato Spinach Spread offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.
Macro Nutrition Profile (Per Serving)
Ingredients
PITA TRIANGLES
Ingredient Substitutions
| Original Ingredient | Healthy Alternative |
|---|---|
| Animal protein | Firm tofu, tempeh, or organic chickpeas |
| Cooking fat | Extra virgin olive oil or grass-fed butter |
Instructions
Technique & Execution: In a small mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, milk, salt and cayenne until smooth
Technique & Execution: Stir in the tomatoes, spinach and onion
Technique & Execution: Spoon into an ungreased microwave-safe 9-in. pie plate
Technique & Execution: Microwave, uncovered, on high for 5 minutes or until heated through, stirring once
Technique & Execution: Meanwhile, combine butter and oil; brush over both sides of pitas
Technique & Execution: Cut each pita into eight wedges; place on ungreased baking sheets
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Storage & Freezing Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep the components separate if possible to preserve texture.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet on medium-low heat with a splash of olive oil or butter.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for this dish because ingredients like spinach become soggy, rubbery, or mushy when defrosted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this recipe be prepared ahead of time?▼
Yes, this meal is excellent for weekly meal prep. Store components separately and assemble before serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?▼
All ingredients used are naturally gluten-free. If you are highly sensitive, verify that packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Tried this recipe?
Tag @stewartlucas on Instagram and hashtag it #nutriguide!
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Stewart Lucas
Chief Culinary SpecialistStewart Lucas is the Chief Culinary Specialist and lead recipe developer representing the NutriGuide team. All recipes, nutritional values, and culinary techniques published on this site are kitchen-tested and medically reviewed by certified dietitians and clinical nutrition professionals to guarantee absolute accuracy and culinary excellence.
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