Steamed Greens with Lemon

Steamed Greens with Lemon is a simple, healthy side dish featuring leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale, or bok choy, lightly steamed until tender and bright green, then finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. It's a popular preparation in many cuisines, particularly in Mediterranean and East Asian cooking, where it's valued for its clean, vibrant flavor that highlights the natural taste of the greens.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is very low in carbohydrates, fat, and protein, making it a light, nutrient-dense addition to a meal. It is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and calcium, with a typical serving containing only about 40-60 calories.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	45 kcal
Protein	3.5 g
Carbs	6 g
Fat	0.5 g
Fiber	4 g
Sugar	1.5 g
Sodium	45 mg
Vitamin K	450 mcg
Vitamin A	700 mcg RAE
Vitamin C	20 mg
Folate	120 mcg
Iron	2.5 mg
Calcium	100 mg
Potassium	350 mg
Magnesium	40 mg

Per 1 cup (180 g), cooked · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, this simple preparation is a cornerstone in diets focused on health and simplicity, from the Mediterranean to East Asia. Nutritionally, the lemon juice not only adds flavor but also significantly enhances the body's absorption of the iron found in the leafy greens.