Description
This quick and easy sautéed spinach recipe is a delicious way to enjoy nutritious greens. Tender baby spinach leaves are cooked with fragrant garlic and translucent onions in olive or avocado oil. Finished with a touch of salt, pepper, and optional lemon juice, this versatile side dish is perfect for any meal and ready in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 8 ounces baby spinach leaves (divided)
- ¼ cup onion (finely chopped)
- 1-2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
Others
- 1 tablespoon oil (olive or avocado)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (to taste)
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
- Lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Spinach: Remove stems from spinach leaves and discard them if you prefer a more tender texture. This step helps ensure the final dish is pleasant to eat without any fibrous stems.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute to release its aroma without burning.
- Sauté Spinach in Batches: Add half of the baby spinach leaves to the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes until they start to wilt. Then add the remaining spinach, sprinkle the salt and black pepper, and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until all the spinach is tender and well-seasoned.
- Serve: Remove the sautéed spinach from heat and serve immediately. Optionally, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top to enhance the flavor with a bright, citrusy note.
Notes
- Use fresh baby spinach leaves for the best texture and flavor.
- If you like a more pungent garlic flavor, increase the amount slightly but be careful not to burn it while sautéing.
- You can substitute olive oil with avocado oil or any mild-flavored oil suitable for sautéing.
- Sautéing spinach in batches ensures even cooking and prevents overcrowding that can cause steaming instead of sautéing.
- This dish pairs well with grilled proteins or can be added to pasta or grain bowls for extra nutrition.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
