Sautéed Garlic Baby Spinach
This Sautéed Garlic Baby Spinach recipe is a delightful and nutritious side dish that highlights the natural flavor of fresh spinach. Quick and easy to prepare, this dish features tender baby spinach sautéed with aromatic garlic and a hint of seasoned butter. Perfect for any meal, it's a wonderful way to add a vibrant green to your plate while enjoying the health benefits of spinach. This dish can be served alongside grilled proteins, tossed with pasta, or enjoyed on its own. It's a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or elegant dinner parties.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
baby spinach leaves
1 1/2 lbs (rinsed and dried)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
chopped garlic
2 tablespoons (chopped)
salt
2 teaspoons (none)
pepper
3/4 teaspoon (none)
butter
1 tablespoon (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the baby spinach leaves thoroughly in cold water to remove any dirt or sand. Spin dry in a salad spinner or pat dry with paper towels.
2
In a large, deep skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until it becomes fragrant but not browned.
3
Carefully add the rinsed spinach leaves to the skillet along with the salt and pepper. Toss the spinach with the garlic and oil until well combined and coated.
4
Cover the skillet with a lid and allow the spinach to steam for 2 minutes. This will help it wilt down.
5
After 2 minutes, uncover the skillet and turn the heat to high. Continue to cook the spinach for another minute, stirring frequently to ensure even wilting and prevent burning.
6
Once the spinach is fully wilted and vibrant green, remove it from the heat. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer the sautéed spinach to a serving bowl.
7
For a rich finish, add the butter to the hot spinach and gently toss until melted and evenly distributed, enhancing the flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main ingredient in Sautéed Garlic Baby Spinach?
The main ingredient is 1 1/2 lbs of fresh baby spinach leaves.
How much garlic is needed for this recipe?
You will need 2 tablespoons of chopped garlic.
How should the baby spinach be prepared?
The spinach should be rinsed thoroughly in cold water and then spun dry or patted dry.
What type of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How long should I sauté the garlic?
Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant but not browned.
When do I add the salt and pepper?
Add the salt and pepper when you add the spinach to the skillet.
Why do I need to cover the skillet?
Covering the skillet for 2 minutes helps the spinach steam and wilt down.
What is the heat setting for the final minute of cooking?
Turn the heat to high for the final minute of cooking while stirring frequently.
What is the purpose of using a slotted spoon for serving?
A slotted spoon helps transfer the spinach while leaving any excess liquid behind.
When should I add the butter?
Add the butter to the hot spinach after it has been removed from the heat and transferred to a serving bowl.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can make it vegan by omitting the butter or using a plant-based butter substitute.
How much salt is used in this dish?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of salt.
Is this recipe considered a side dish?
Yes, it is a nutritious and versatile side dish that pairs well with many proteins.
How long does it take to steam the spinach?
It takes 2 minutes to steam the spinach with the lid on.
Can I use regular spinach instead of baby spinach?
Yes, but you may need to remove tough stems and chop larger leaves before cooking.
What should I do if the garlic browns?
If the garlic browns too much, it may become bitter, so it is best to keep the heat at medium and watch it closely.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I add red pepper flakes for spice?
Yes, you can add red pepper flakes with the garlic if you prefer a spicy kick.
What is the benefit of drying the spinach before cooking?
Drying the spinach prevents it from becoming soggy or watered down during the sautéing process.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 ingredients: baby spinach, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and butter.
Can I use garlic powder instead?
While fresh garlic is recommended for the best flavor, garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
How do I know when the spinach is done?
The spinach is done when it is fully wilted and has a vibrant green color.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but ensure you use a large enough pot or skillet to accommodate the volume of fresh spinach.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, it is very low in carbohydrates and suitable for a ketogenic diet.
What proteins pair well with sautéed spinach?
It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, steak, salmon, or tofu.
Can I add lemon juice to this dish?
Yes, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can brighten the flavors.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can this be used in pasta?
Yes, this sautéed spinach can be tossed directly with pasta for an easy meal.
What if I don't have a salad spinner?
You can pat the leaves dry between layers of paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
Is the butter essential?
The butter is optional but adds a rich finish that enhances the overall flavor profile.