Garlicky Sautéed Baby Spinach
This delicious and nutrient-packed Garlicky Sautéed Baby Spinach is a quick and healthy side dish that's perfect for any meal. The vibrant green leaves of baby spinach are lightly sautéed with fragrant garlic in olive oil, creating a flavorful and aromatic dish. Finished with a sprinkle of kosher salt and a hint of nutmeg, this recipe is not only tasty but also rich in vitamins and minerals. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, fish, or toss it into pasta for an easy and nutritious addition to your dining table. Enjoy the bright flavors and the satisfying crunch of this delightful spinach dish!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Baby Spinach
10-12 ounces (well cleaned and dried)
Garlic
4-5 cloves (sliced thin)
Olive Oil
1-2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
Kosher Salt
to taste
Fresh Grated Nutmeg
optional (for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large lidded saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat until warm.
2
Add the sliced garlic to the pan and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until the garlic just begins to turn golden but not burned.
3
Immediately remove the pan from heat and add the well-cleaned and dried baby spinach.
4
Using a set of tongs, gently toss the spinach with the garlic and olive oil until the leaves are well coated.
5
Season with kosher salt to taste, and add freshly grated nutmeg if desired.
6
Cover the pan to allow the residual heat to lightly wilt the spinach, about 2-3 minutes.
7
Give it another gentle toss and then serve while still warm, ensuring that the spinach retains its crunch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garlicky Sautéed Baby Spinach?
It is a quick and healthy side dish featuring vibrant baby spinach lightly sautéed with fragrant garlic, olive oil, and a hint of nutmeg.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients are baby spinach, garlic, olive oil, kosher salt, and fresh grated nutmeg.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it uses olive oil instead of butter.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are gluten-free.
How much spinach do I need?
You will need 10 to 12 ounces of baby spinach.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic should be sliced thin; the recipe calls for 4-5 cloves.
What kind of oil should I use for sautéing?
The recipe recommends using 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How long should I sauté the garlic?
Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes until it just begins to turn golden.
Why do I remove the pan from the heat before adding the spinach?
Removing the pan from the heat prevents the garlic from burning and allows the residual heat to gently wilt the spinach without overcooking it.
How do I ensure the spinach isn't soggy?
Ensure the baby spinach is well-cleaned and dried before cooking, and only cover the pan for 2-3 minutes to retain its crunch.
What seasoning is used?
The spinach is seasoned with kosher salt to taste and freshly grated nutmeg.
Is nutmeg required?
Nutmeg is optional but recommended as a garnish to add a unique aromatic flavor.
How long does the spinach take to wilt?
Once the pan is covered, it takes about 2-3 minutes for the residual heat to wilt the spinach.
What tools do I need for this recipe?
A large lidded saucepan and a set of tongs are the primary tools needed.
Can I serve this with pasta?
Yes, this sautéed spinach is a great addition when tossed into pasta.
What main dishes pair well with this spinach?
It pairs excellently with grilled chicken or fish.
What is the recipe category?
This recipe is categorized under Vegetable side dishes.
Should I use high heat for the garlic?
No, use medium heat to ensure the garlic turns golden rather than burning.
Does the spinach need to be chopped?
No, the recipe uses whole baby spinach leaves.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a nutrient-packed dish rich in vitamins and minerals.
Can I use pre-washed spinach?
Yes, but ensure it is completely dry before adding it to the oil.
How do I coat the spinach evenly?
Use tongs to gently toss the leaves with the garlic and olive oil immediately after adding them to the pan.
What happens if I burn the garlic?
Burnt garlic becomes bitter; it is best to restart if the garlic turns dark brown or black.
Can I use table salt instead of kosher salt?
Yes, though you may need to adjust the amount as table salt is finer than kosher salt.
What gives the dish its aroma?
The combination of sautéed garlic and freshly grated nutmeg provides the aromatic profile.
Is this a quick meal?
Yes, it is designed to be a very fast side dish, taking only a few minutes to cook.
Can I use frozen spinach for this?
This specific recipe is designed for fresh baby spinach to achieve the desired texture and crunch.
How do I prepare the spinach before cooking?
The spinach should be well-cleaned and thoroughly dried.
Should I serve this hot?
Yes, it is best served while still warm to enjoy the bright flavors and texture.