Garlicky Sautéed Spinach with Lemon
In short: Fresh baby spinach wilted in olive oil with sliced garlic, chili and lemon. A 10-minute side that goes with eggs, fish and chicken. It takes about 10 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 5 min
- Total
- 10 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 105 kcal
A pan of fresh spinach shrinks to a few forkfuls in under three minutes, which is both the appeal and the trick of this side. Garlic softens in hot olive oil, the spinach goes in by handfuls, and a squeeze of lemon at the end cuts through the mineral edge. It goes with eggs, fish, chicken, steak or pasta, and works as a topping for toast. Stay by the stove, because the window between wilted and mushy is short.
Instructions
- Wash the spinach and shake off most of the water. A little clinging water helps it wilt. Slice the garlic.
- Heat the olive oil in a very large skillet or wide pot over medium heat. Add the garlic and chili flakes and cook for 30 to 45 seconds, until fragrant and pale gold.
- Add the spinach in 3 or 4 handfuls, stirring with tongs as each batch wilts to make room for the next.
- Cook for 2 to 3 minutes in total, until all the spinach is just wilted and bright green. Do not cover the pan.
- Take the pan off the heat. Season with the salt, pepper and lemon juice and toss.
- Serve with a slotted spoon, leaving any extra liquid behind, and eat while warm.
Tips
- Do not overcook the spinach, because it releases more water and turns dull. If the pan is watery, lift the spinach out with tongs and leave the liquid behind.
- A pinch of nutmeg, a spoonful of tahini, or toasted pine nuts and raisins make good variations.
Questions and answers
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes. Thaw 450 g (1 lb) of frozen leaf spinach and squeeze it very dry, then sauté it with the garlic for 3 to 4 minutes.
Why is my sautéed spinach watery?
Spinach is more than 90 percent water. Cook it quickly in a wide pan over medium heat and lift it out with tongs or a slotted spoon.
How much spinach do I need per person?
Plan on about 150 g (5 oz) of raw baby spinach per person. It cooks down to a quarter of its volume or less.
How long does it take to make Garlicky Sautéed Spinach with Lemon?
About 10 min in total: 5 min of preparation and 5 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Garlicky Sautéed Spinach with Lemon?
About 105 kcal per serving, with 4 g of protein, 7 g of carbohydrates and 7 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 105 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 7 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 265 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
