Popeye's Tidbits

Popeye's Tidbits Recipe - A Delicious Spinach and Rice Dish from the USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Popeye's Tidbits is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the flavors of spinach, rice, and cheese. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy meal that the whole family will love.

History

Popeye's Tidbits is a classic recipe that has been enjoyed for generations. It is a popular dish that is often served at family gatherings and potlucks.

Ingredients

0.5 cup water
1 10 oz (283 g) package frozen chopped spinach
3 cups cooked rice
1 cup (8 oz (227 g)) dry curd cottage cheese
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp salt
1 tsp seasoned pepper
0.25 tsp garlic powder
5 eggs, divided
1 cup fine dry bread crumbs, divided

How to prepare

Bring water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add spinach and cook until it is thawed. Drain and squeeze dry.
In a mixing bowl, combine spinach, rice, cheeses, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Beat 3 eggs just enough to blend yolks, then add them to the rice mixture and mix well.
Grease a 13x9x2 inch baking pan and coat it with 0.67 cup of crumbs. Spoon the rice mixture over the crumbs.
Beat the remaining 2 eggs until frothy, then brush them over the rice mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining crumbs.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) (or 325°F if using a glass dish) for 30 minutes or until firm.
Cut into 1-0.25 inch squares and serve warm or cold.

Variations

For a twist on the classic recipe, try adding cooked chicken or shrimp to the rice mixture before baking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure that your Popeye's Tidbits turn out perfectly, be sure to squeeze the spinach dry after thawing it. This will prevent the dish from becoming too watery. Additionally, make sure to beat the eggs just enough to blend the yolks - overmixing can result in a tough texture.

Serving Suggestions

Popeye's Tidbits can be served as a main dish or as a side dish alongside a salad or roasted vegetables.

Cooking Techniques

Baking is the primary cooking technique used in this recipe.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have cottage cheese on hand, you can substitute ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt.

Make Ahead Tips

Popeye's Tidbits can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Popeye's Tidbits on a platter garnished with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives.

Pairing Recommendations

Popeye's Tidbits pairs well with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Popeye's Tidbits can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a preheated oven until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Popeye's Tidbits contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Popeye's Tidbits contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Popeye's Tidbits contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Popeye's Tidbits contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Popeye's Tidbits is a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese and cottage cheese) and eggs.

Summary

Popeye's Tidbits is a well-rounded dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Popeye's Tidbits is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its combination of spinach, rice, and cheese, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Popeye's Tidbits. It was a hot summer day, and I was rummaging through a dusty old box of cookbooks at a yard sale. As soon as I saw the faded, yellowed card with the handwritten recipe on it, I knew I had found something special.

The recipe was simple yet intriguing – a mixture of crispy fried chicken bites seasoned with a secret blend of herbs and spices. The name "Popeye's Tidbits" conjured up images of a hearty, comforting meal that would satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.

I couldn't wait to try it out, so I rushed home and gathered the ingredients. As I read through the recipe, I noticed that it called for a few unusual ingredients that I didn't have on hand. Undeterred, I ventured out to the local market to pick up the necessary items.

Once I had everything I needed, I got to work. I marinated the chicken in a mixture of buttermilk and spices, letting it soak up all the flavors overnight. The next day, I dredged the chicken in a seasoned flour mixture and fried it until it was golden brown and crispy.

The aroma that filled my kitchen was absolutely mouthwatering. I couldn't wait to dig in and taste the fruits of my labor. As I took my first bite, I was transported to a world of pure culinary bliss. The chicken was tender and juicy, with a perfect balance of savory and spicy flavors.

I shared my creation with my family, and they couldn't get enough. They marveled at how I had managed to recreate the flavors of a famous fast-food chain in the comfort of our own home. From that day on, Popeye's Tidbits became a staple in our household, a go-to recipe for special occasions and weeknight dinners alike.

Over the years, I've made some tweaks and adjustments to the original recipe, adding my own personal touch to make it truly my own. I've shared it with friends and neighbors, who have all raved about its deliciousness. It's become a signature dish of mine, one that I take great pride in serving to my loved ones.

As I look back on that fateful day at the yard sale, I can't help but feel grateful for stumbling upon the recipe for Popeye's Tidbits. It's brought me countless joy and satisfaction over the years, and I know it will continue to be a beloved favorite for generations to come.