4.7 from 57 votes
Sautéed Spinach with Garlic
This sautéed spinach recipe features tender baby spinach leaves cooked with thinly sliced garlic that is gently caramelized to infuse the olive oil with a mild, sweet garlic flavor. The spinach is wilted quickly on medium heat, seasoned simply with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, then finished with a touch of bright acidity from lemon juice or vinegar. The balance of tender greens and flavorful, sweet garlic slices creates a straightforward but satisfying side dish that highlights the fresh ingredients.
Prep Time
2 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
7 mins
Servings:
4
Calories:
98 kcal
Course:
Side Dish
Cuisine:
Italian
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic , sliced into thin slivers
- 1 pound baby spinach leaves
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional, fresh, or vinegar
Instructions
- Add the olive oil and slivered garlic slices to a cold, large skillet and bring to medium heat. Cook until the garlic is fragrant and begins to caramelize, but watch it closely so it doesn't brown or it will become bitter. Quickly remove the garlic from the oil with a mesh skimmer and reserve the oil in the skillet.
- Add the spinach in heaping batches, tossing in the oil as it reduces. Season with the kosher salt and freshly ground pepper and cook just until it wilts.
- Add the garlic back to the spinach, toss, and drizzle with the lemon juice or vinegar and taste for seasoning. Serve hot.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Start cooking the garlic in cold olive oil to slowly release flavor and create tender caramelized slices without burning.
- Remove garlic slices once caramelized to prevent bitterness, then add them back after the spinach wilts for texture and flavor.
- Use lemon juice or vinegar to add bright acidity, adjusting seasoning to taste before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories
98kcal
(5%)
Carbohydrates
6g
(2%)
Protein
3g
(6%)
Fat
7g
(11%)
Saturated Fat
1g
(5%)
Sodium
672mg
(28%)
Potassium
656mg
(14%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Vitamin A
10635IU
(213%)
Vitamin C
35.2mg
(39%)
Calcium
123mg
(12%)
Iron
3.2mg
(18%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 98
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 98kcal | 5% |
| Carbohydrates | 6g | 2% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 7g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 672mg | 28% |
| Potassium | 656mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 10635IU | 213% |
| Vitamin C | 35.2mg | 39% |
| Calcium | 123mg | 12% |
| Iron | 3.2mg | 18% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.