Sautéed Spinach (Spinaci in Padella)
Category: Side Dishes | Servings: 4
This simple yet delicious Italian side dish features sautéed spinach with garlic and olive oil, a perfect accompaniment to any meal. Fresh spinach is cooked in olive oil with aromatic garlic, resulting in a savory, healthy dish that can complement everything from pasta to grilled meats.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh Spinach | 1 kg |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 50 g |
| Garlic Cloves | 2 |
| Fine Salt | To taste |
Instructions:
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Prepare the Spinach: Begin by thoroughly washing the spinach leaves to remove any dirt or grit. Once washed, trim off the thicker, tougher stems.
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Garlic Prep: Peel the garlic cloves and slice them in half. Remove the inner sprout (the germ) from each clove to prevent any bitterness from infusing the dish.
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Heat the Oil: Pour the extra virgin olive oil into a large frying pan. Add the halved garlic cloves and heat the oil over medium heat. Allow the garlic to infuse the oil with its fragrance, but be careful not to brown the garlic.
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Sauté the Spinach: Once the garlic is fragrant, add the washed spinach leaves to the pan. Even though the spinach may initially appear voluminous, it will shrink down significantly as it cooks. Cover the pan with a lid and cook on high heat for about 5 minutes to allow the spinach to wilt.
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Season and Continue Cooking: After 5 minutes, remove the lid, season the spinach with salt and a generous crack of black pepper. Stir the spinach gently with a spatula, making sure the seasoning is well distributed. Continue to cook for another 10 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is fully cooked and tender.
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Serve: Once the spinach is cooked, remove it from the heat and serve it immediately as a flavorful side dish to accompany your main course.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
(Values are approximate and will vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 |
| Total Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 500 mg |
| Total Carbs | 7 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugars | 1 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
This sautéed spinach is a quick and easy way to enjoy a nutritious, flavorful side dish that’s loaded with vitamins and minerals. The garlic and olive oil bring out the natural flavors of the spinach, making it a simple yet irresistible option for your next meal!
