Description
This cooked spinach recipe with Garlic Lemon Gloss is a simple, healthy side dish that transforms humble greens into a vibrant, delicious meal enhancer. It’s perfect for busy families or anyone needing a quick, wholesome vegetable side, guaranteeing perfectly wilted, never-soggy spinach.
Ingredients
- 10–12 oz fresh spinach, thoroughly washed
- 1–2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1–2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (from 0.5 lemon)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Spinach: Thoroughly wash 10-12 oz of fresh spinach, leaving residual water on the leaves to aid steaming.
- Heat the Pan: In a large, wide 12-inch skillet or pot, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat for about 1 minute until it shimmers.
- Sauté the Garlic: Add 2-3 minced garlic cloves to the hot oil and cook for 30-60 seconds, stirring until fragrant; reduce heat immediately if it begins to brown.
- Wilt the Spinach: Add the washed spinach to the pan (in batches if needed) and toss with tongs for 2-3 minutes until fully wilted and softened.
- Finish with Flavor: Remove from heat, squeeze 1-2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice over the spinach, and season generously with salt and black pepper to taste, then toss to coat thoroughly.
Notes
The recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent watery spinach, and ensure the pan is hot enough. Cook garlic on medium-low heat and watch closely to prevent bitterness; burnt garlic tastes bitter. For extra richness, melt a small pat of butter (about 1 tsp) with the lemon juice. For a zesty kick, grate a tiny bit of lemon zest (about 0.25 tsp) over the finished dish. You can substitute baby kale or Swiss chard for spinach (adjust cooking time), or avocado oil or vegetable broth for olive oil.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: General
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup cooked (100 g)
- Calories: 70 calories
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: healthy side dish, easy spinach, garlic lemon gloss, quick recipe, vegetable side, weeknight meal, gluten-free, dairy-free