Sautéed Greens
A simple, classic side dish of tender spinach quickly sautéed with fragrant garlic and rich olive oil. Ready in minutes, it's a healthy and flavorful addition to any Mediterranean meal.
For 4 servings
Sauté the garlic.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook for about 30-60 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown or burn.
TIPCooking the garlic gently in oil infuses the entire dish with a sweet, aromatic flavor without any bitterness.Wilt the spinach.
- Add the fresh spinach to the skillet. You may need to add it in batches if your pan is not large enough.
- Stir the spinach with tongs, coating it in the garlic-infused oil.
- Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until all the spinach has wilted down. This should take about 2-4 minutes.
TIPSpinach releases a lot of water as it cooks. Don't worry if the pan seems overly full at first; it will shrink significantly.Season and serve.
Once the spinach is wilted, remove the pan from the heat. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss one last time and serve immediately.
TIPSeasoning the spinach after cooking prevents it from becoming watery and helps you control the salt level more accurately.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Ensure the spinach is thoroughly dry after washing to prevent it from steaming instead of sautéing.
- 2For best results, use a pan that is large enough to hold all the spinach without being too crowded.
- 3Do not overcook the spinach. It should be just wilted and still have a vibrant green color.
- 4A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can brighten up the flavors beautifully.
Adapt it for your goals.
Quick
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a little bit of heat.
healthyHealthy
Use other dark leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard. Note that these will require a longer cooking time.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Stir in a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese at the end for a cheesy flavor kids love.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Spinach is an excellent source of essential nutrients like Vitamin K for bone health, Vitamin A for vision, and iron for energy.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Made with extra virgin olive oil, this dish provides monounsaturated fats which are known to support cardiovascular health.
Low in Calories
As a low-calorie, high-nutrient side dish, it's a perfect choice for weight management and overall health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this dish is very healthy. Spinach is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and folate. The use of heart-healthy olive oil provides beneficial monounsaturated fats.