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Garlic Sautéed Spinach

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Garlic Sautéed Spinach is a quick and flavorful side dish made with fresh spinach, fragrant garlic, olive oil, and bright lemon. It comes together in about 10 minutes and pairs easily with meat, seafood, pasta, or rice.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound fresh baby spinach
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced or minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, optional
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Instructions

  1. Rinse the spinach thoroughly if needed and dry it well to remove excess moisture.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add the garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds, stirring frequently, until fragrant without letting it burn.
  4. Add the spinach to the skillet in batches if necessary. Toss gently with tongs as the leaves wilt, adding more until all the spinach fits in the pan.
  5. Season with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes, if using.
  6. Cook for 2–4 minutes, tossing occasionally, until the spinach is wilted but still bright green.
  7. Remove the skillet from the heat and drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the spinach.
  8. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan, if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Dry the spinach thoroughly before cooking to help prevent the finished dish from becoming watery.
  • Fresh spinach loses significant volume as it cooks, so 1 pound is appropriate for about 4 side-dish servings.
  • For a richer flavor, replace some of the olive oil with butter.
  • For extra heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a small pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • Add fresh lemon zest for stronger citrus flavor without introducing additional liquid.
  • Parmesan or Pecorino Romano can be sprinkled over the spinach after removing it from the heat.
  • Frozen spinach can be substituted, but it should be thawed and squeezed thoroughly to remove excess moisture before sautéing.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days and reheat briefly in a skillet or microwave.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/garlic-sauteed-spinach/