Spinach, Martha

Spinach, Martha is a delightful and classic spinach dish that combines the earthy flavors of fresh spinach with a medley of ingredients, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying side dish. This recipe, like many others, carries the name of its creator or the person who popularized it, in this case, Martha.

The history of Spinach, Martha, like many classic recipes, is not linked to a specific individual named Martha but rather reflects the tradition of naming dishes after a person, perhaps a home cook who mastered this particular spinach preparation. Spinach itself has a long history in culinary traditions, dating back to ancient civilizations in Persia and eventually spreading to Europe and beyond.

This dish showcases the versatility of spinach and how it can be transformed into a delicious and savory side dish with the addition of simple yet flavorful ingredients. It’s likely that variations of this recipe have been enjoyed by families and gatherings for generations.

INGREDIENTS

• 3 quarts fresh spinach
• 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling)
• 3 slices of bread (1/3 inch square pieces)
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 tablespoon melted Crisco (or vegetable shortening)
• 2 hard-cooked eggs (cut into 8 pieces each)
• 1 tablespoon Crisco
• Salt, sugar, and grated nutmeg to taste
• 4 tablespoons cream

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare the Spinach:
   • Trim off the stalks of 3 quarts of fresh spinach, discarding any stale leaves.
   • Thoroughly wash and drain the spinach.
2. Boil the Spinach:
   • In a large pot, bring a gallon of water to a boil, and add 1 tablespoon of salt.
   • Plunge the washed spinach into the boiling water and boil for 10 minutes.
3. Drain and Chop:
   • Using a skimmer or slotted spoon, carefully remove the spinach from the boiling water and drain it on a sieve.
   • Press out any excess water from the spinach.
4. Prepare Bread and Eggs:
   • Cut 3 slices of bread into 1/3 inch square pieces and place them on a plate.
   • Pour 1 tablespoon of vinegar over the bread pieces.
   • In a small frying pan, brown the bread pieces in 1 tablespoon of melted Crisco until they reach a golden color.
5. Combine Ingredients:
   • Place the chopped, drained spinach in a saucepan.
   • Add the browned bread pieces, the 8 pieces each of hard-cooked eggs, 1 tablespoon of Crisco, and season with salt, sugar, and grated nutmeg to taste.
   • Pour in 4 tablespoons of cream.
6. Mix and Cook:
   • Mix all the ingredients well with a wooden spoon.
   • Cook the mixture for 10 minutes, lightly mixing occasionally.
7. Serve:
   • Dress the Spinach, Martha on a vegetable dish or platter.
   • Serve as a flavorful side dish to complement your meal.

Spinach, Martha, is a delightful dish that showcases the vibrant green goodness of spinach combined with the rich flavors of bread, eggs, and cream. It’s a testament to the creativity of home cooks who have elevated simple ingredients into memorable culinary creations. Enjoy it as a side dish that adds depth and flavor to your table.