Substituting frozen for fresh spinach

[crankin]

I am preparing a lasagna recipe that calls for 10 cups of fresh spinach, which is then steamed and chopped and put in the lasagna. To save time and money, I want to use frozen spinach, but I am not sure how much to use. And, would I use frozen chopped spinach, or frozen leaf spinach (I've seen both at the grocery store)?

[Andy M.]

This is what Cook's Thesaurus says about spinach. One pound fresh = 1 cup cooked = 5 ounces frozen. I've never heard of measuring raw fresh spinach in cups.

[salt and pepper]

leaf spinach, squeeze it dry.

[bakechef]

I second the squeezing. The frozen will have lots of water in it, so squeeze it dry!

[Dawgluver]

Third the squeeze. I don't think it matters if it's chopped or leaf.

[SharonT]

Since the recipe calls for spinach that is steamed, then chopped, I would substitute 2 (10 oz.) boxes of frozen chopped spinach for a pan of lasagna. Thaw first and squeeze out the water, as mentioned.

[justplainbill]

Would seem leaf is easier to squeeze.

[msmofet]

Leaf OR chopped frozen doesn't matter which, thawed. Then put it a bit at a time in a ricer and squeeze it dry.

[CWS4322]

I never thought of using my potato rice for that! It is generally only brought out when I'm making lefse to rice the leftover mashed potatoes. I generally use a dish towel to wring the water out of frozen spinach, kale, or swiss chard.

[msmofet]

Originally Posted by CWS4322

I never thought of using my potato rice for that! It is generally only brought out when I'm making lefse to rice the leftover mashed potatoes. I generally use a dish towel to wring the water out of frozen spinach, kale, or swiss chard.

It works great for spinach.