Garlic Lemon Spinach Sauté
Embrace the vibrant flavors of fresh spinach with this delightful Garlic Lemon Spinach Sauté. This simple yet elegant dish transforms ordinary greens into a culinary star, making it a perfect side for any meal. By sautéing the spinach with sliced garlic until fragrant, and finishing it with a bright squeeze of lemon juice, you achieve a beautiful balance of savory and tart flavors. Ideal for weeknight dinners or festive occasions, this dish is both quick and nutritious, showcasing the natural goodness of spinach. Enjoy it as part of a balanced meal or as a healthy snack!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (measured)
garlic cloves
4 (thinly sliced)
fresh spinach
20 ounces (washed and trimmed)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (measured)
crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (measured)
Instructions
1
In a large Dutch oven, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
2
Add the thinly sliced garlic to the pot and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and just beginning to brown; be careful not to burn it.
3
Gradually add the fresh spinach to the pot, tossing it gently to ensure it is coated with the oil and garlic.
4
Cover the pot and allow the spinach to cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until it is wilted and tender.
5
Once the spinach is cooked, remove the pot from heat and stir in the lemon juice, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes.
6
Toss everything together until well combined and serve immediately for maximum freshness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garlic Lemon Spinach Sauté?
It is a simple and nutritious side dish made by sautéing fresh spinach with sliced garlic, olive oil, and finishing it with a bright squeeze of lemon juice.
What type of spinach is best for this recipe?
Fresh spinach is recommended. You can use regular bunches of spinach that have been washed and trimmed, or pre-washed baby spinach for a faster prep time.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
While fresh spinach provides the best texture for a sauté, you can use frozen spinach if it is completely thawed and squeezed dry to remove all excess moisture before cooking.
How many servings does this recipe make?
Using 20 ounces of fresh spinach typically yields about 3 to 4 side-dish servings, as spinach reduces significantly in volume when cooked.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it uses extra virgin olive oil as the fat source rather than butter.
Is Garlic Lemon Spinach Sauté gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients used in this recipe, including spinach, garlic, lemon, and spices, are naturally gluten-free.
What is the best oil for sautéing spinach?
Extra virgin olive oil is ideal for this recipe because it provides a rich, savory flavor that complements the garlic and lemon.
How long does it take to cook the garlic?
The garlic should be sautéed for only 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and just begins to brown. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic tastes bitter.
Why do I need to cover the pot when cooking the spinach?
Covering the pot creates steam, which helps the large volume of fresh spinach wilt quickly and evenly in just 3 to 5 minutes.
Can I use minced garlic instead of sliced garlic?
Yes, you can use minced garlic. Keep in mind that minced garlic burns faster than sliced garlic, so you may need to reduce the sauté time slightly.
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, pan-seared salmon, roasted potatoes, or as a fresh addition to a pasta dinner.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover sautéed spinach can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I reheat sautéed spinach?
Yes, you can reheat it briefly in a microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Avoid overcooking during reheating to prevent mushiness.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is very low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats from the olive oil, making it excellent for a ketogenic diet.
How do I stop the spinach from becoming too watery?
Ensure the spinach is well-dried after washing. If excess liquid accumulates in the pan after cooking, you can drain it before adding the lemon juice and salt.
Can I add other spices to this recipe?
Absolutely. While the recipe calls for red pepper flakes, you could also add black pepper, onion powder, or a dash of nutmeg for a different flavor profile.
Can I use lime juice instead of lemon juice?
Yes, lime juice can be used as a substitute for lemon juice; it will provide a slightly different citrus profile but still offer the necessary acidity.
How much garlic is in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 cloves of garlic, which provides a robust savory flavor to the greens.
What size pot should I use?
A large Dutch oven or a wide, deep skillet is best to accommodate the volume of 20 ounces of fresh spinach before it wilts down.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is highly nutritious. Spinach is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and fiber.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It is best served immediately for maximum freshness and texture, but you can prep the garlic and wash the spinach ahead of time.
Can I add parmesan cheese?
Yes, a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese over the finished dish adds a delicious salty and savory element.
How much salt is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1/4 teaspoon of salt, but you can adjust this to your personal taste preference.
Does the spinach need to be trimmed?
If using mature spinach, it is recommended to trim the tough stems. If using baby spinach, the stems are usually tender enough to keep.
How do I know when the spinach is done?
The spinach is done when it has completely wilted, turned a vibrant dark green, and is tender to the bite.
Can I use butter instead of olive oil?
Yes, you can substitute butter for olive oil for a richer, creamier flavor, though it will no longer be vegan.
Are the red pepper flakes very spicy?
At 1/4 teaspoon, the red pepper flakes provide a very mild heat. You can omit them if you prefer no spice or increase them for more kick.
Is this dish suitable for a low-sodium diet?
You can easily make this low-sodium by reducing or omitting the salt, as the lemon juice and garlic already provide significant flavor.
What is the total cooking time?
The total active cooking time is approximately 5 to 7 minutes once the ingredients are prepped.
Can I add toasted nuts to this dish?
Yes, adding toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds at the end provides a wonderful crunch that complements the soft spinach.