Name: Sautéed Spinach
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 3 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 garlic clove; 5 ounces spinach; ¼ teaspoon sea salt; Lemon wedge (for squeezing); Freshly ground black pepper

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There’s something so simple yet satisfying about a dish like Sautéed Spinach. I remember the first time I prepared it, feeling a bit daunted by the idea of cooking greens. However, as soon as I saw those vibrant leaves wilting down in the pan, I knew I had struck gold. This dish has become a staple in my kitchen for many reasons. On hectic weeknights, it serves as a quick, healthy side that compliments almost any meal. With its earthy flavor and nutritional benefits, Sautéed Spinach has truly become one of my go-to recipes. Whether you’re looking for a way to incorporate more greens into your diet or you just want a delicious and easy dish, you’ve found it!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
5 mins

Prep Time:
2 mins

Cook Time:
3 mins

Difficulty:
Easy

Calories:
70 kcal

Protein:
2 g

Diet:
Keto, Paleo, Whole30

Fat:
6 g

Tools Used:
Skillet, Chef’s Knife

The Best Thing About This Sautéed Spinach

It’s Quick and Easy

One of the best things about Sautéed Spinach is how quickly it comes together. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a nutritious side dish in no time. I often find myself reaching for this recipe when I’m short on time but still want to serve something healthy and delicious.

Vibrant and Fresh

The color of fresh spinach is simply stunning, and cooking it enhances its natural beauty. When you sauté spinach, it transforms from bright green to a beautiful, tender dish that looks great on any plate. It’s a fantastic way to make your meals more visually appealing.

Endless Versatility

Sautéed Spinach can be paired with a wide array of main dishes. Whether you’re serving grilled chicken, fish, or even pasta, this spinach dish fits right in. You can easily customize it by adding different spices or even tossing in some nuts for added texture. The possibilities are endless!

Health Benefits

Spinach is packed with nutrients and health benefits. It’s rich in iron, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants, making it a powerhouse of nutrition. By incorporating Sautéed Spinach into your meals, you’re not only adding a delicious side but also boosting your health.

Great for Meal Prep

If you’re someone who likes to meal prep for the week, Sautéed Spinach is an excellent option. It can be made ahead of time and reheated quickly without losing its flavor or texture. I often make a big batch and store it in the fridge for easy access during busy days.

A Few Simple Ingredients

With just a few ingredients, Sautéed Spinach is not only accessible but also budget-friendly. You don’t need anything fancy to make this dish shine. It’s proof that sometimes the simplest recipes can be the most satisfying.

Ingredients to Make Sautéed Spinach

When it comes to Sautéed Spinach, the ingredients are straightforward yet impactful. Each one plays a vital role in creating the dish’s flavor and texture. The main players here are the fresh spinach, aromatic garlic, and the golden olive oil. The addition of sea salt enhances the flavor, while a splash of lemon juice adds brightness to the dish.

2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil – This is the base for sautéing, imparting a lovely flavor and richness to the dish.
1 garlic clove, chopped – The aromatic essence of garlic provides a warm and savory depth to the spinach.
5 ounces spinach – Fresh spinach is the star of the show, packed with nutrients and vibrant color.
¼ teaspoon sea salt – A touch of sea salt brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Lemon wedge, for squeezing – A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish and adds a zesty flavor.
Freshly ground black pepper – This finishing touch adds a hint of spice and complexity to the overall taste.

The Method for Sautéed Spinach

Cooking Sautéed Spinach is as easy as it gets. It’s a straightforward method that requires just a few steps to achieve perfectly wilted and flavorful greens. Let’s dive right into the steps!

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You’ll want to give it a couple of minutes to get hot. A good test is to drop a small piece of garlic in; if it sizzles, you’re ready to go!
Once the oil is hot, add the chopped garlic. Sauté it for about thirty seconds. You want it fragrant but careful not to let it brown, as this can make the garlic taste bitter.
Now, it’s time to introduce the star ingredient: add the fresh spinach to the skillet. It may seem like a lot, but it will wilt down significantly as it cooks.
Sprinkle in the sea salt and toss the mixture gently with tongs or a spatula. This will ensure the spinach is evenly coated in the seasoned oil and garlic.
Continue to sauté the spinach for about one to two minutes, tossing occasionally. You’ll see the leaves turning a darker green as they wilt; keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Once the spinach is just wilted, remove the skillet from the heat. This is crucial as you want it to retain some texture and not become mushy.
To finish it off, serve the Sautéed Spinach on a plate and squeeze a wedge of lemon over the top. This adds a beautiful brightness that elevates the dish.
Finally, sprinkle some freshly ground black pepper for that extra hint of spice. Your dish is ready to enjoy!

Things Worth Knowing

Don’t rush the cooking: Sautéing spinach is a quick process but don’t rush it too much. Allowing the garlic to infuse in the oil is essential for flavor.
Use fresh ingredients: The quality of spinach can make a big difference. Fresh, vibrant greens will give you the best results.
Toss often: As you cook, make sure to toss the spinach frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
Watch the heat: Adjust the heat if needed. Too high can burn the garlic; too low may leave the spinach soggy.
Season at the end: Adding sea salt at the beginning helps flavor the spinach, but taste and adjust near the end for the perfect balance.

How to Switch It Up

While Sautéed Spinach is fantastic on its own, there are various ways to switch it up and enhance its flavor. Here are some fun ideas to consider:

Add nuts: Incorporate toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a crunchy texture contrast.
Include spices: Experiment with spices like red pepper flakes or nutmeg for a different flavor profile.
Mix in other greens: Combine spinach with other greens like kale or Swiss chard for added nutrition and variety.
Cheese it up: A sprinkle of crumbled feta or goat cheese elevates the dish with creaminess.
Serve with grains: Pair your Sautéed Spinach with quinoa or farro for a hearty side dish.
Make it a main: Turn this side dish into a main by adding cooked lentils or beans for protein.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving Sautéed Spinach, the options are plentiful. Here are some delightful ideas:

Pair with grilled chicken: The lightness of Sautéed Spinach balances well with the savory notes of grilled chicken, creating a satisfying meal.
Serve at brunch: This dish makes a fabulous addition to a brunch spread alongside eggs and toast, offering a nutritious boost.
Excellent for dinner: Whether it’s alongside steak or a roasted fish, Sautéed Spinach adds color and nutrition to any dinner plate.
Perfect for meal prep: Store Sautéed Spinach in the fridge for easy side servings throughout the week. Just reheat and enjoy!
Incorporate in wraps: Add it to wraps or sandwiches for a healthy crunch that complements meats and cheeses.
Add to pasta: Toss Sautéed Spinach into pasta dishes for a vibrant color and nutrition boost.

FAQ

Absolutely! Sautéed Spinach is great for meal prep. You can cook it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just reheat it in a skillet or microwave when you’re ready to serve. This makes it an excellent option for busy weeknights when you want a quick side dish without any hassle.

For the best flavor, always opt for fresh spinach. You can use baby spinach for a more tender texture or regular spinach for a bit more bite. Avoid using frozen spinach, as it tends to be watery and can alter the dish’s overall quality. Fresh spinach not only tastes better, but it also retains more nutrients.

Yes! One of the great things about Sautéed Spinach is its versatility. You can add ingredients like onions, nuts, or even a sprinkle of cheese to enhance the flavor. Feel free to experiment with spices such as nutmeg or red pepper flakes to give it a unique twist. Just remember to sauté any additional ingredients before adding the spinach to ensure even cooking.

Perfectly cooked Sautéed Spinach will be bright green and wilted but not mushy. It usually takes just one to two minutes on medium heat to achieve this. Be sure to toss it frequently to avoid overcooking. Once you see that beautiful color, it’s time to remove it from the heat!

Conclusion

Sautéed Spinach is truly a gem in the world of side dishes. Its simplicity combined with nutritional benefits makes it a dish I find myself returning to time and time again. I encourage you to give it a try; you might just discover how easy and delightful cooking greens can be. Enjoy the vibrant taste and health boost it brings to your meals!