Sauteed Spinach is an effortless and nutritious side dish, perfect alongside salmon or rice. This simple recipe combines fresh spinach with garlic, chili flakes, and olive oil, yielding a fiber-rich, flavorful result in under 15 minutes. It's a vegan-friendly, quick solution for a tasty, healthy meal, with an optional splash of lemon juice for an extra zing. Ideal for busy days, it's a foolproof way to enjoy spinach's benefits without the fuss.
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Ingredients Overview
To whip up this Sauteed Spinach, you'll need a few simple ingredients, commonly found in your pantry or at nearby grocery stores. Let's take a look at what you'll need.
- Spinach: Choose either pre-packaged leaves for quick preparation or fresh bundles for a more traditional approach. Trimming the mature stems is crucial for a tender, enjoyable texture.
- Garlic: A key component, garlic infuses the spinach with a deep, aromatic flavor, elevating the dish from simple to sublime.
- Chili Flakes: Just a pinch brings a gentle warmth to the dish, balancing the spinach's natural earthiness without overwhelming it.
- Olive Oil: Serves as the foundation for sautéing, imparting a subtle, fruity richness that complements the spinach. Alternatively, select your preferred oil to suit your taste or dietary needs.
How to Make Sauteed Spinach at Home?
Dive into the world of cooking with our Sauteed Spinach recipe, where simplicity meets flavor. Follow along with our photos and video to effortlessly bring this nutritious dish to life in your kitchen. Let's get started!
Explore More Sauteed Dishes:
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- Sauteed Mushroom
- Sauteed Cabbage
- Sauteed Brussels Sprouts
- Sauteed Kale
- Sauteed Asparagus
- Sauteed Green Beans
- Sauteed Zucchini
- Sauteed Shrimp
Sauteed Spinach
Ingredients
- 15 oz Spinach Leaves, washed and dried
- 3 tbsp Garlic, finely chopped
- ½ tsp Chili Flakes
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil, or your preferred oil
- Salt , as needed
Instructions
Making Sauteed Spinach
- Start by warming a pan on medium heat. Drizzle your preferred oil, then add finely chopped garlic. Sauté the garlic until it emits a fragrant, aromatic scent, careful not to let it burn.
- Gently add the fresh spinach leaves to the pan. Stir them occasionally, allowing the leaves to cook evenly until they become soft and wilt. This process should typically take 3 to 5 minutes, as spinach wilts quickly.
- Once the spinach is wilted, sprinkle in chili flakes and a pinch of salt for seasoning. If you notice any residual water in the pan, increase the heat to high for a brief moment. This will help to quickly evaporate the excess moisture, ensuring your spinach remains flavorful and not waterlogged.
- As soon as the spinach reaches your desired texture, remove the pan from heat. Your Sauteed Spinach is now perfectly cooked, ready to be served.
Serving
- Enjoy your delicious Sauteed Spinach as a versatile side dish, perfect with a variety of mains. For more creative pairing ideas, refer to our Serving Suggestions section.
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Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Pre-Cooking Prep: Make sure all ingredients are prepped and ready to go before you start cooking, as the process is quick.
- Washing Spinach: Packaged spinach leaves often come pre-washed and dried. However, if you're using bundle spinach, it's essential to trim the stems and wash the leaves twice for cleanliness. Ensure they are thoroughly air-dried before cooking.
- Heat Control: Cook spinach on medium heat to prevent garlic from burning while ensuring that the spinach wilts evenly.
- Seasoning: Adjust garlic and chili flakes to taste. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the chili flakes or omit them altogether. Similarly, add more garlic for a stronger flavor.
- Oil Selection: While olive oil is recommended for its flavor, you can experiment with other oils like avocado or coconut oil for different taste profiles.
- Lemon Juice: A dash of lemon juice added at the end of cooking can brighten the dish with a fresh, tangy flavor. It also helps to balance the richness of the olive oil.
- Nutritional Boost: For an extra nutrition boost, consider adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a handful of nuts like pine nuts or sliced almonds after cooking.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
Browse through our diverse collection of vegetable side dishes, including a range of sauteed recipes. Delight in everything from brightly roasted favorites to timeless, tender vegetables, all designed to bring extra flavor and simplicity to your dining table.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your meals with these creative and delicious ways to serve Sautéed Spinach:
- Perfect Pair with Proteins: Complement your sautéed spinach with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or baked tofu for a balanced, nutritious meal.
- Rice Combinations: Serve alongside brown rice, white rice, or quinoa for a wholesome, hearty addition.
- Pasta Partner: Toss it with your favorite pasta dish, like spaghetti aglio e olio or penne arrabbiata, for a refreshing, green twist.
- Sandwich Filler: Add a nutritious touch to sandwiches or wraps, especially with turkey, chicken, or roasted vegetables.
- Breakfast Boost: Incorporate it into an omelet or alongside a vegetable frittata for a green start to your day.
- Salad Enhancement: Mix with fresh salads, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for a quick, healthy salad.
Storage Suggestions
For the best flavor, enjoy this wilted spinach warm, right after preparation. If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 2 days, ensuring freshness and taste.
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