Description

This recipe provides an easy and flavorful way to cook spinach, transforming a simple vegetable into a vibrant, nutritious side dish in minutes. It’s perfect for boosting veggie intake on busy weeknights, offering a savory garlic aroma and tender texture.

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz fresh baby spinach, rinsed thoroughly
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Fine sea salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare Spinach: Rinse 10-12 oz (300-340g) fresh baby spinach thoroughly under cold water; leave some residual moisture, as it aids in wilting. (If using frozen spinach, ensure it’s fully thawed and squeeze out all excess water before starting.)
Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet or a 10-inch pan, heat 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat until it begins to shimmer. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds, until it smells distinctly fragrant but hasn’t started to brown.
Cook Spinach: Add the spinach to the skillet, in batches if your pan is not large enough to hold it all at once. Toss gently with tongs, allowing it to wilt down quickly. Cook for 3-5 minutes, tossing frequently, until it’s fully wilted and has turned a vibrant green color. (If your pan is too small and the spinach looks soggy, cook in smaller batches to allow moisture to evaporate properly.)
Season and Finish: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. The spinach should be tender, not mushy. For a little extra brightness, a quick squeeze of fresh lemon juice at this stage really elevates this easy cooked spinach recipe. (If you notice any bitterness, a tiny pinch of sugar can help balance the flavor.)

Notes

For an extra special touch, consider adding toasted pine nuts for crunch and a dusting of sumac for a bright, tangy finish. You can also add finely chopped red bell pepper with the garlic for more color. Your cooked spinach should be tender and bright green, never mushy or dark. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: General

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 100 g)
Calories: 60 calories
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 150 mg
Fat: 4 g
Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 3 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 2 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: easy spinach, cooked greens, healthy side dish, garlic spinach, quick recipe, vegetarian, weeknight meal, simple vegetables