Garlic-Infused Sautéed Spinach
Experience the vibrant flavors of fresh spinach seasoned with fragrant garlic and a hint of warmth from crushed red pepper flakes. This quick and easy dish is perfect as a side or even as a main course when served over grains. With its simple preparation, it's a wonderful way to incorporate nutritious greens into your diet. Inspired by generations of family cooking, this recipe can be adapted with other leafy greens like escarole or Swiss chard for a delightful twist. Enjoy this dish warm or at room temperature for maximum flavor!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh Spinach
1 bunch (Trim and wash thoroughly, cut into palm-sized pieces)
Garlic
3 cloves (Thinly sliced)
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
1 pinch (None)
Olive Oil
3 tablespoons (None)
Salt
to taste (None)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the spinach under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit. Trim off any tough stems and then cut the leaves into palm-sized pieces for even cooking.
2
In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the thinly sliced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, sautéing them together until the garlic turns a light golden brown. Be sure to stir frequently to avoid burning the garlic.
3
Once the garlic is cooked, add the fresh spinach to the pan. Sprinkle with salt to taste, and toss the spinach with the garlic and oil to ensure even coating. The spinach will begin to wilt quickly.
4
Cover the pan with a lid and allow the spinach to steam for about 2-3 minutes, or until tender. Stir occasionally to promote even cooking.
5
Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish. This sautéed spinach can be enjoyed hot or at room temperature. Serve it as a side dish or over your favorite grain for a nutritious meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main ingredient in Garlic-Infused Sautéed Spinach?
The main ingredient is one bunch of fresh spinach.
How many cloves of garlic are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for three cloves of garlic, thinly sliced.
Is Garlic-Infused Sautéed Spinach vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian and vegan-friendly as it uses only plant-based ingredients.
Is this spinach recipe gluten-free?
Yes, Garlic-Infused Sautéed Spinach is naturally gluten-free.
How should I prepare the fresh spinach before cooking?
Rinse the spinach under cold water to remove grit, trim off tough stems, and cut leaves into palm-sized pieces.
What type of oil is recommended for sautéing?
The recipe recommends using three tablespoons of olive oil.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Stir the garlic frequently while sautéing over medium heat until it turns a light golden brown.
What provides the heat in this dish?
A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes provides a hint of warmth to the dish.
Can I use other greens instead of spinach?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe using other leafy greens like escarole or Swiss chard.
How long does it take to steam the spinach?
Once covered with a lid, the spinach should steam for about 2 to 3 minutes until tender.
Should Garlic-Infused Sautéed Spinach be served hot?
It can be enjoyed either hot or at room temperature for maximum flavor.
Can this spinach dish be served as a main course?
Yes, it can be served as a main course if paired with grains like rice or quinoa.
At what heat setting should I sauté the garlic?
The garlic and red pepper flakes should be sautéed over medium heat.
How do I know when to add the spinach to the pan?
Add the spinach once the olive oil is shimmering and the garlic has reached a light golden brown color.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are five main ingredients: fresh spinach, garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, olive oil, and salt.
What is the inspiration behind this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by generations of family cooking.
How much salt should I add?
Salt should be added to taste while tossing the spinach with the oil and garlic.
Does the spinach need to be dried before cooking?
While it should be rinsed, the recipe suggests the spinach will wilt quickly and steam under a lid, so total dryness is not strictly required.
What pan is best for this recipe?
A large sauté pan is recommended to accommodate the volume of fresh spinach before it wilts.
What is the serving size for this dish?
The serving size is not specified, but it uses one bunch of spinach which typically serves 2 to 4 people as a side.
How many calories are in this recipe?
Caloric information is not provided for this specific recipe.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Yes, it is described as a quick and easy dish perfect for a busy meal.
What texture should the spinach have when finished?
The spinach should be tender and wilted.
Can I use bottled minced garlic?
The recipe calls for thinly sliced fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor infusion.
Is this dish high in fiber?
While nutritional values aren't listed, spinach is naturally a good source of fiber.
How do I ensure the spinach is evenly seasoned?
Toss the spinach with the oil and garlic immediately after adding it to the pan to ensure an even coating.
What happens if I don't remove the tough stems?
The stems can be stringy or chewy, so removing them ensures a more pleasant, tender texture.
Can I add lemon juice to this recipe?
While not in the original recipe, a squeeze of lemon is a common addition to sautéed greens that would complement the garlic.
Is the red pepper flake amount adjustable?
Yes, the recipe uses a 'pinch', but you can adjust it based on your preference for spice.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover sautéed spinach should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.