Sauteed Spinach with Garlic
User Reviews
5
Sauteed Spinach with Garlic
Description
The recipe begins by gently sautéing whole garlic cloves in extra virgin olive oil until the cloves become golden, infusing the oil with their flavor. The garlic is removed to keep from burning, and red pepper flakes are added to the oil before tossing in the well-drained baby spinach. The spinach is stirred and covered to steam briefly until just wilted, preserving its tender texture and vibrant green color. It is then seasoned with salt and finished with a drizzle of olive oil before serving. The garlic cloves can be eaten or discarded depending on preference.
This preparation yields spinach with a light garlicky taste, a touch of heat from the pepper flakes if included, and balanced saltiness. The dish works well as a side, especially alongside richer dishes needing leafy greens. The whole garlic cloves add an option for mild roasted garlic flavor without overpowering the spinach.
Some salt is necessary to bring out flavor, but amounts can be adjusted. Leftovers keep for up to three days refrigerated and may be reheated briefly in a microwave. Any excess liquid can be drained off before serving, and a final drizzle of olive oil enhances richness just before plating.
Ingredients
- 1 pound baby spinach washed and well drained
- 10 cloves garlic whole cloves for easy removal
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, to taste, crushed, hot
- 3/8 cup extra virgin olive oil divided
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Saute garlic cloves in a 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once the cloves turn golden brown, remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- To the same pan add the crushed red pepper flakes, then the spinach. Mix the spinach around with tongs then cover.
- After 1-2 minutes the spinach will have wilted. Remove the lid and turn off the heat. Season with salt to taste.
- Add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on the spinach before serving. Serve with the sauteed whole garlic cloves for anyone who might want them. Enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust salt to taste, noting that leafy greens benefit from some seasoning to enhance flavor.
- Serve with the sautéed whole garlic cloves for optional mild garlic flavor or discard if preferred.
- Drain any excess liquid from the spinach before serving and add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to finish.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated briefly in a microwave.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 188 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 188kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 4.1g | 1% |
| Fat | 19.3g | 30% |
| Saturated Fat | 2.8g | 14% |
| Sodium | 671mg | 28% |
| Potassium | 633mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 2.5g | 10% |
| Sugar | 0.5g | 1% |
| Calcium | 113mg | 11% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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