Naturally vegan, this Sauteed Spinach recipe is a simple Italian side dish that pairs well with any main. If you are looking for healthy sides, this vegetable is for you!
The popularity of this green vegetable is seen throughout Italian cuisine.
When it is cooked, it can make an appearance as a stuffing for Calzones, Pasta Shells, or Lasagna Roll-Ups.
It is also a great addition to soups like this hearty White Kidney Bean Soup, Italian Wedding Soup and Stracciatella.
This dark green leafy vegetable is equally delicious when used raw in salads.
As you can see, the culinary possibilities of fresh spinach are truly endless.
If you like easy side dishes, let me show you how to cook spinach in just 15 minutes, and with just a couple of ingredients.
Mise en place
There are just a few ingredients that need to be prepped for this recipe.
Prep the spinach: You will need about one pound for this recipe.
If your spinach has thick stems, it is best to cut them off and discard them. Soak and drain the leaves properly a few times to get rid of any dirt or sand. Place in a salad spinner and spin it dry. There is no need to chop it.
Prep the garlic: Remove the papery skin of 3-4 garlic cloves and cut off the tips. Slice the garlic. Feel free to use more (or less) according to your personal preference and the size of your cloves.
How to cook fresh spinach
Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 3-4 sliced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using) to a large skillet.
Turn the heat on to medium-high and shake the pan back and forth. Alternately, constantly stir the garlic. This can take 2-3 minutes.
Once the garlic begins to turn a light golden brown, add the spinach. Use tongs to turn it over to properly coat it with the garlic-infused oil.
Season with salt and pepper according to taste.
Cover the skillet and allow to cook for about 2 minutes.
Remove the cover, stir and cook for another 30 seconds or so. Taste and adjust seasonings.
Remove from heat and drain any excess liquid.
Transfer to a serving dish and drizzle with freshly squeezed lemon juice and olive oil.
Serve immediately and enjoy the best-cooked spinach recipe any time of the year!
Tips
- Use a salad spinner to remove the excess water which prevents a soggy final product.
- Add the oil, garlic and red pepper flakes to the pan first, and then turn on the heat. This allows the garlic to slowly cook. It also prevents it from cooking too quickly.
- Once the spinach begins to wilt, it is done.
- Overcooking spinach releases more moisture from the leaves which can result in a bitter aftertaste.
- Add the lemon juice once the pan is off the heat to preserve its bright flavor.
What foods go well with spinach?
This sauteed green makes a great side dish to almost any main meal. As you can see, one of my favorite ways to serve it is alongside this baked cod fish recipe and air fried potatoes. It’s also great with this glazed salmon.
Recipe source
Mangia che ti fa bene… Eat, it is good for you!
I can still hear my mom’s words of wisdom whenever she would serve sauteed greens for supper.
Whether it was spinach, swiss chard, escarole, rapini, or collard greens, the message was always the same.
As a kid, I could never get enough of this stuff.
When I started having a family of my own, this was my go-to recipe for a quick side dish.
As a dietitian, I appreciate all the health benefits of spinach and I’m sure you will too.
Enjoy!
THANKS SO MUCH for following and being part of the She Loves Biscotti community where you will find Simple & Tasty Family-Friendly Recipes with an Italian Twist.
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Ciao for now,
Maria
★★★★★ If you have made this spinach side dish, I would love to hear about it in the comments below and be sure to rate the recipe!
Recipe
Sauteed Spinach Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound spinach fresh, stems trimmed, washed and spun dry
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3-4 garlic cloves thinly sliced
- pinch red chili flakes optional
- salt and pepper to taste
- freshly squeezed lemon juice for drizzling I use about ¼ of a lemon
- olive oil for drizzling over the top optional
Instructions
- Trim the tough ends of the spinach.
- Wash properly and spin dry using a salad spinner.
- Drizzle olive oil in a large skillet or cast iron pan.
- Add the sliced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Turn on the heat to medium-high.
- Once the garlic begins to turn a light golden brown, add the spinach.
- Use tongs to turn it over to properly coat it with the garlic-infused oil.
- Season with salt and pepper according to taste.
- Cover the skillet and allow to cook for about 2 minutes.
- Remove the cover, stir and cook it for another 30 seconds or so.
- Remove from heat and drain any excess liquid.
- Transfer to a serving dish and drizzle with freshly squeezed lemon juice and olive oil.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use a salad spinner to remove the excess water which prevents a soggy final product.
- Add the oil, garlic and red pepper flakes to the pan first, and then turn on the heat. This allows the garlic to slowly cook. It also prevents it from cooking too quickly.
- Once the spinach begins to wilt, it is done.
- Overcooking spinach releases more moisture from the leaves which can result in a bitter aftertaste.
- Add the lemon juice once the pan is off the heat to preserve its bright flavor.
Nutrition
Val
One of my favorite recipes! So easy to make, love it!
Maria
Thanks so much Val!