Garlic Sautéed Spinach Delight
Discover the vibrant flavors of Garlic Sautéed Spinach Delight, a quick and nutritious side dish that celebrates the fresh taste of spinach. This delightful recipe elevates ordinary spinach leaves with aromatic garlic and the richness of extra virgin olive oil, making it an irresistible accompaniment to any meal. Perfect for those busy weeknights or as a simple yet elegant dish for entertaining, this recipe showcases how truly easy and rewarding it is to cook with fresh greens. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and heart-healthy fats, this dish is not only delicious but also a smart choice for your health.
4
Servings
34
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh spinach
1 lb (washed and drained)
extra virgin olive oil
2-3 tablespoons (none)
minced garlic
1/2-1 teaspoon (to taste (jarred or freshly minced))
Instructions
1
Begin by washing the fresh spinach thoroughly and draining it well. Shake off any excess water.
2
In a large skillet, heat 2 to 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
3
Add the minced garlic to the skillet, allowing it to infuse the oil for about 30 seconds. Be careful not to let it brown as it can turn bitter.
4
Immediately add the prepped spinach to the pan. It may seem like a lot, but it will wilt quickly.
5
Use tongs or a spatula to gently toss the spinach, distributing the garlic and oil evenly. Continue to sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the spinach is bright green and wilted. Make sure to move the cooked spinach from the bottom to the top so it cooks evenly.
6
Once the stems are tender and the spinach has wilted, remove the skillet from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, such as a sprinkle of salt or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Nutrition Information
2.5g
Fat
1.75g
Carbs
1.25g
Protein
1g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garlic Sautéed Spinach Delight?
It is a quick and nutritious side dish featuring fresh spinach leaves elevated with aromatic garlic and extra virgin olive oil.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How many calories are in a single serving?
There are 34 calories per serving.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients are 1 lb of fresh spinach, 2-3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, and 1/2-1 teaspoon of minced garlic.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian, vegan, and heart-healthy.
How much fat is in each serving?
Each serving contains approximately 2.5g of fat.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 1.75g of carbohydrates in each serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This dish provides 1.25g of protein per serving.
How long does it take to cook the spinach?
The spinach should be sautéed for 2-3 minutes until it is bright green and wilted.
What type of oil is recommended?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its flavor and heart-healthy fats.
Can I use jarred minced garlic?
Yes, you can use either jarred minced garlic or freshly minced garlic to taste.
Why shouldn't I brown the garlic?
Garlic should not be browned because it can turn bitter and negatively affect the flavor of the dish.
How should I prepare the fresh spinach?
Wash the spinach thoroughly, drain it well, and shake off any excess water before cooking.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, each serving contains 1g of fiber.
Can I add lemon juice to the recipe?
Yes, a squeeze of lemon juice can be added at the end to adjust the seasoning and brighten the flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, Garlic Sautéed Spinach Delight is naturally gluten-free.
What temperature should I use to heat the oil?
Heat the olive oil over medium heat until it is shimmering.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
This specific recipe is designed for fresh spinach to achieve the best texture and flavor.
What should I do if the spinach seems like too much for the pan?
Add the spinach to the skillet and toss it; it will wilt very quickly and reduce significantly in volume.
How do I ensure the spinach cooks evenly?
Use tongs or a spatula to move the cooked spinach from the bottom to the top while sautéing.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, with only 1.75g of carbohydrates, this is an excellent keto-friendly side dish.
Can I use butter instead of olive oil?
You can use butter, but extra virgin olive oil is suggested for a heart-healthy version and specific flavor profile.
How long do I cook the garlic before adding spinach?
Add the garlic to the hot oil for about 30 seconds to infuse the oil before adding the spinach.
What are the health benefits of this dish?
It is packed with vitamins, minerals, and heart-healthy fats from the spinach and olive oil.
How do I know when the spinach is finished cooking?
The spinach is done when the leaves are wilted and the stems are tender.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No, there is no added sugar in this recipe.
What tools do I need?
You will need a large skillet and either tongs or a spatula.
Is this a quick recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick recipe, taking only a few minutes to sauté.
What should I serve this with?
This dish is an elegant accompaniment to any main meal, such as grilled protein or pasta.