Traditional Spinach Sauté

🕒 Prep: 5 min
🔥 Cook: 5 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Spinach Sauté is a timeless classic that brings simple, fresh flavors to your table in minutes. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or as a nutritious side dish that complements almost any meal. Let's dive into this easy, delightful recipe!

Ingredients for Traditional Spinach Sauté

Spinach is the star of the dish, providing a vibrant color and a host of nutrients including iron and vitamin C. Fresh spinach works best here, offering a tender texture when cooked.

Olive oil is used for sautéing, imparting a rich flavor and helping to soften the garlic while adding healthy fats.

Garlic, when minced and sautéed, adds a warm, aromatic flavor that beautifully complements the spinach.

Salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning, enhancing the natural flavors of the spinach.

Lemon juice provides a bright, tangy finish that cuts through the richness of the olive oil, balancing the flavors perfectly.

Tips & Tricks

  • For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
  • Use baby spinach for a more tender texture.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even sautéing.

Serving Suggestions

This Spinach Sauté is a versatile side that pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or pan-seared fish. Consider serving it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or as a topping on a warm grain bowl. For a vegetarian option, serve it over polenta or quinoa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain it well before sautéing to avoid excess moisture.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover spinach in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
Is this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Just ensure your olive oil is plant-based, which it typically is.

Traditional Spinach Sauté Recipe Walkthrough

Start by giving your spinach a good rinse under cold water. You want to ensure there's no grit or dirt hiding in those leaves. Once clean, pat them dry with a kitchen towel or spin them in a salad spinner if you have one. Dry spinach will sauté more evenly.

Next, grab a large skillet and heat olive oil over medium heat. As the oil warms, toss in the minced garlic. Let it sizzle and turn a beautiful golden brown, which should take about a minute. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning, as burnt garlic can turn bitter.

With the garlic ready, add your spinach to the skillet. It may look like a lot at first, but don't worry—spinach wilts down considerably. Toss it in the oil and garlic, mixing so it all gets a nice coat of flavor.

Season with salt and black pepper. Continue to sauté the spinach for about 4-5 minutes until it wilts down completely. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Once the spinach is perfectly wilted, remove the skillet from heat. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice over the top and give everything a final toss before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy: Ready in under 10 minutes.
  • Uses minimal ingredients: No need for a long shopping list.
  • Healthy and nutritious: Packed with vitamins and minerals.
  • Versatile: Pairs with a variety of main courses.

Ingredients

1 lb fresh spinach
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Juice of 1/2 lemon

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Rinse the spinach thoroughly under cold water and pat dry.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add minced garlic and sauté until golden brown, about 1 minute.
4. Add the spinach to the skillet and toss with the oil and garlic.
5. Season with salt and black pepper, and continue to sauté until spinach wilts, about 4-5 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and drizzle with fresh lemon juice before serving.

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