Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Spinach and Tomato Egg White Muffins


  • Author: Jenny

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups Liquid Egg Whites: Sourced from a carton for ultimate convenience and consistency, this is the lean, protein-packed base of our muffins. Alternatively, you can use approximately 12 large egg whites.
  • 2 cups Fresh Spinach, tightly packed: This vibrant green adds a wealth of nutrients like iron and vitamins. We’ll be wilting it down to concentrate its flavor and remove excess water.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes, halved or quartered: These provide sweet, juicy bursts of flavor and a beautiful pop of color that contrasts wonderfully with the spinach.
  • ¼ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: A small amount of this hard, salty cheese adds a significant savory, umami depth without overwhelming the other ingredients.
  • ¼ cup Finely Diced Red Onion: This offers a subtle, sharp bite that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes and the earthiness of the spinach.
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced: A fundamental aromatic that infuses the entire muffin with a warm, savory foundation.
  • ½ teaspoon Dried Oregano: This herb contributes a classic, slightly peppery Mediterranean flavor that pairs perfectly with tomato and spinach.
  • ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper, freshly ground: For a touch of spice and to enhance all the other flavors.
  • ¼ teaspoon Salt: Essential for seasoning the eggs and bringing the entire dish together.
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics and vegetables, adding a hint of fruity richness.
  • Cooking Spray or additional Olive Oil: Absolutely crucial for greasing the muffin tin to ensure the muffins release easily after baking.

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Thoroughly grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or by lightly brushing each cup with olive oil. This step is critical to prevent sticking. For even easier cleanup, you can use silicone muffin liners.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Add the diced red onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until it begins to soften and become translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
  3. Wilt the Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet. It will look like a lot at first, but it will wilt down significantly. Stir continuously for 2-4 minutes until all the spinach has wilted. Remove the skillet from the heat. It is vital to drain any excess liquid that has been released from the spinach. You can press the mixture against the side of the pan with a spatula to squeeze out the water.
  4. Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large mixing bowl or a large liquid measuring cup (which makes for easier pouring), combine the liquid egg whites, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is well-combined and slightly frothy.
  5. Assemble the Muffins: Distribute the sautéed spinach and onion mixture evenly among the 12 prepared muffin cups. Next, place the halved or quartered cherry tomatoes into each cup. Aim for 3-4 pieces per muffin for a good distribution of flavor.
  6. Pour and Combine: Carefully pour the whisked egg white mixture over the vegetables in each muffin cup. Fill each cup about three-quarters of the way full. The muffins will puff up during baking, so leaving some space prevents them from overflowing.
  7. Bake to Perfection: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the centers of the muffins are set and no longer jiggly. The edges should be lightly golden brown. You can test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin; it should come out clean.
  8. Cool and Serve: Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 5-10 minutes. The muffins will deflate slightly as they cool; this is completely normal. Once they have cooled a bit, you can use a thin knife or spatula to gently loosen the edges and lift them out. Serve them warm or allow them to cool completely for storage.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: one normal portion
  • Calories: 45
  • Fat: 1.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 6g