Sautéed Spinach with Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 16 minutes
Description
If you have a penchant for spinach, you are bound to adore this quick and delightful recipe that elevates the humble green into a flavorful side dish. While blanching spinach prior to sautéing may initially seem unnecessary, this step significantly enhances both the flavor and texture of the dish, making every bite a vibrant experience.
Recipe Category
Spinach
Keywords
Greens, Vegetable, Low Protein, Low Cholesterol, Spicy, Less Than 30 Minutes, Stove Top, Easy
Ingredients and Nutritional Information
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh spinach | 1 large bunch |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic cloves | 3-4, minced |
| Crushed red pepper flakes | ¼ teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 178.6 kcal |
| Total Fat | 14.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 180.6 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 9.8 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.1 g |
| Sugars | 1 g |
| Protein | 6.8 g |
Instructions
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Blanch the Spinach: Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a vigorous boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the fresh spinach leaves. Allow the spinach to wilt in the boiling water for a brief moment before swiftly draining it in a colander. It’s crucial to avoid letting the spinach linger in the hot water, as this could diminish its flavor and nutritional value.
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Remove Excess Liquid: After draining, press the spinach firmly in the colander to expel as much liquid as possible. Shape the spinach into a compact disk; this will make it easier to sauté evenly and absorb the flavors of the oil and seasonings.
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Heat the Oil: In a large sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. The oil should be hot enough to quickly sauté the garlic, imparting a fragrant aroma to the dish.
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Sauté Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: Add the minced garlic and the crushed red pepper flakes to the hot oil. Sauté these ingredients for about one minute, stirring constantly to ensure the garlic turns golden without burning, as burned garlic can impart a bitter taste to your dish.
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Incorporate the Spinach: Gently add the disk of wilted spinach to the pan, using a wooden spoon to break it apart and coat it thoroughly with the garlicky oil. Stir well, ensuring that each strand of spinach is infused with the aromatic flavors.
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Heat Through: Continue to cook the spinach for just about one minute, or until it is heated through but retains its vibrant green color and slight crunch.
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Season and Serve: To finish, season the sautéed spinach with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Transfer the spinach to a serving platter, and for an added burst of flavor, drizzle with balsamic vinegar just before serving. This tangy addition beautifully complements the savory notes of the dish, making it an irresistible side.
This Sautéed Spinach recipe not only comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or as a vibrant side for special occasions, but also showcases how simple ingredients can create a dish bursting with flavor and health benefits. Enjoy this delightful medley of sautéed greens, and watch it become a beloved staple in your home!
