Letting your side dish take the spotlight is many times one of the best ways to let your dish stand out. This simple but richly flavored Garlic Sauteed Spinach is packed with a saturated olive oil and roasted garlic flavor then sprinkled with freshly squeezed lemon. This delicious spinach side dish is one to keep on hand.
Garlic Sauteed Spinach
The start of the new year came in like a gentle breeze in our family life and softly whisked by us as we were caught up in moving to our new home. We spent the final hours of the previous year unboxing our belongings and trying to determine temporary placement for each item we own.
The start of the new year didn’t feel quite like the burst of familiar years past as we started to settle into a new routine and life. I’ve been craving homemade family meals around our dining table that has yet to arrive.
Instead, we’re gathering around our old dining table, which has a hint of familiarity to it and one we welcome. I’m navigating a new kitchen and still don’t quite know, despite my obsessive organization, just where everything has been placed. After living off take-out and restaurant meals I want warm and wholesome ones made at home.
These meals don’t need to be complicated, which is how I found myself searching for a simple garlic sauteed spinach recipe. Spinach works in a variety of ways, but when immersed in robust olive oil with sauteed garlic the leave wilt to soft and delicious perfection. Sprinkled with flecks of sea salt and freshly squeezed juice, it can be prepared in less than 15 minutes and served with an array of dishes.
How to Saute Garlic and Spinach
- Rinse. Rinse the spinach leaves in cold water and then delicately pat dry with a paper towel or spin in a salad spinner.
- Saute. Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and pour in the olive oil. Once the oil has heated add the garlic and saute for about 1 minute, just before it begins to brown.
- Simmer. Add the spinach, salt, and pepper to the pot and toss to combine with the garlic. Cover the pot with a lid and saute for about 2 minutes. Remove the lid and turn the heat up to high. Cook, stirring continuously, for 1 more minute.
- Garnish. Remove the spinach from the heat and add the butter and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Toss to coat before serving.
Additional Ingredients to Add for More Flavor
The sauteed spinach is delicious on its own but you can add additional ingredients for even more flavor. Some of the suggestions below are some of my favorite ingredients.
- Onions: pearl onions, sliced red onions, diced yellow onion, or chopped green onions.
- Tomatoes: cherry tomatoes or chopped tomatoes.
- Bacon or ham.
- Mushrooms.
- Cheese: shaved parmesan, goat cheese, shredded asiago cheese.
What to Serve with Sauteed Spinach
This side dish will pair well with most meals but works exceptionally well with some of the recipe suggestions below.
Garlic Sautéed Spinach
Ingredients
- 1 lb Baby Spinach Leaves
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 6 Garlic Cloves minced
- 2 teaspoons Coarse Salt
- ¾ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice freshly squeezed
Instructions
- Rinse the spinach leaves in cold water and then delicately pat dry with a paper towel or spin in a salad spinner.
- Place a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and pour in the olive oil. Once the oil has heated add the garlic and saute for about 1 minute, just before it begins to brown.
- Add the spinach, salt, and pepper to the pot and toss to combine with the garlic. Cover the pot with a lid and saute for about 2 minutes. Remove the lid and turn the heat up to high. Cook, stirring continuously, for 1 more minute.
- Remove the spinach from the heat and add the butter and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Toss to coat before serving.
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