Wilted Baby Spinach with Garlic and Oil Recipe

This simple yet flavorful dish, wilted baby spinach with garlic and oil, is a healthy side that goes well with any meal. It's quick, easy and requires a handful of ingredients. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity - fresh baby spinach quickly sautéed in garlic-infused olive oil; a classic combination that lets the spinach shine.

Photos of Wilted Baby Spinach with Garlic and Oil Recipe

The ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in most kitchens. Nonetheless, when you're at the supermarket, make sure to select fresh baby spinach. It's more tender and milder in flavor than mature spinach. Also, try to get good quality olive oil; it can make a difference in the final taste.

Ingredients for Wilted Baby Spinach with Garlic and Oil

Olive oil: Olive oil is the base of this dish, providing a medium for sautéing and enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients.

Garlic: Garlic gives a fragrant punch to the spinach, making it savory and moreish.

Baby spinach: Baby spinach is the star of this dish. It's tender, mild in flavor, and wilts beautifully in the hot oil.

Salt and pepper: These basics season the dish and bring out the natural flavors of the spinach.

One reader, Jacquelynn Slagle says:

This wilted baby spinach with garlic and oil recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are incredible, and it's so easy to make. The garlic and oil perfectly complement the spinach, creating a dish that's both healthy and delicious. I can't wait to make it again!

Jacquelynn Slagle

Cooking Techniques for Wilted Baby Spinach with Garlic and Oil

How to sauté garlic: Sauté the garlic in hot olive oil until golden in color, ensuring it is not burnt. How to wilt spinach: Toss the spinach in the skillet with oil until just wilted, approximately 2 minutes, then remove from heat and season with salt and pepper.

How To Make Wilted Baby Spinach with Garlic and Oil

Wilted baby spinach is a lightly sauteed side dish seasoned with garlic and olive oil. This recipe uses minimal ingredients and takes only 10 minutes.

Preparation: 3 minutes

Cooking: 5 minutes

Total: 8 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

4tspolive oil
4clovesgarlic,peeled and smashed with the side of a knife
1lbfresh baby spinach,washed and drained
kosher salt and fresh ground pepper

Instructions

Heat a large skillet over high heat until hot. When hot, add the olive oil and garlic.
Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes, until the color is golden on both sides.
Add the spinach to the skillet and toss with oil to coat. Reduce the heat to medium and stir.
When spinach is just wilted, about 2 minutes, remove from heat and season with salt and pepper.

Nutrition

Calories: 71.24kcal
Fat: 4.97g
Saturated Fat: 0.70g
Monounsaturated Fat: 3.30g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.67g
Carbohydrates: 5.34g
Fiber: 2.65g
Sugar: 0.51g
Protein: 3.47g
Sodium: 281.99mg
Calcium: 119.46mg
Potassium: 649.70mg
Iron: 3.19mg
Vitamin A: 531.93µg
Vitamin C: 32.80mg

Helpful Technique for Perfecting Wilted Baby Spinach with Garlic and Oil

When sautéing the garlic, be sure to keep a close eye on it. Garlic can burn quickly and turn bitter, which can affect the overall taste of your dish. To avoid this, keep the heat at a medium level and stir the garlic frequently. This will ensure that the garlic cooks evenly and infuses the olive oil with its flavor without burning.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Spinach Recipe

Prep ahead: Chop garlic and wash spinach in advance to streamline the cooking process.

One-pan wonder: Use a large skillet to cook the spinach and garlic together, minimizing clean-up time.

Quick seasoning: Season the spinach with salt and pepper at the end to avoid over-seasoning and save time.

Substitute Ingredients For Wilted Baby Spinach with Garlic and Oil Recipe

olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar flavor profile to olive oil and can be used as a healthier alternative with its high smoke point.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, sweeter flavor compared to garlic and can add a unique twist to the dish.
baby spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale can be used as a heartier alternative to baby spinach and offers a slightly different texture and flavor profile.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt, providing a similar level of salinity to the dish.
ground pepper - Substitute with crushed red pepper flakes: Crushed red pepper flakes can add a subtle heat and depth of flavor to the dish, replacing the black pepper.

Best Way to Present Wilted Baby Spinach with Garlic and Oil

Elevate the spinach: Gently pile the wilted baby spinach in the center of the plate, creating a slight mound to give it a visually appealing height.
Drizzle with garlic-infused oil: Carefully drizzle the golden garlic-infused olive oil over the wilted spinach, ensuring it cascades down the sides for an elegant presentation.
Garnish with whole garlic cloves: Place a few whole golden cloves of sautéed garlic strategically around the spinach to add a pop of color and a burst of flavor to the dish.
Season with finesse: Sprinkle a pinch of kosher salt and a dash of freshly ground black pepper over the wilted spinach, ensuring an even distribution for a balanced flavor profile.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Spinach Dish

Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods.
Garlic press: A kitchen tool used to crush garlic cloves efficiently.
Tongs: A versatile tool used for gripping and lifting hot items in the kitchen.
Salt shaker: A container with perforations designed to dispense salt evenly.
Pepper grinder: A device used to grind peppercorns to release their flavor and aroma.

Storage and Freezing Instructions for This Spinach Dish

Let the spinach cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent excess moisture from accumulating and making the spinach soggy.
To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled spinach in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. It will keep for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
If you want to freeze the spinach, follow these steps:
1. Spread the cooled spinach on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about an hour, or until the spinach is frozen solid.
3. Transfer the frozen spinach to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible.
4. Label the container or bag with the date and amount of spinach.
5. Frozen spinach will keep for up to 6 months in the freezer.
When you're ready to use the frozen spinach, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or microwave it on low power until it's heated through. You may need to drain any excess liquid before using the spinach in recipes.
Keep in mind that frozen and thawed spinach may have a slightly different texture than fresh spinach, but it will still work well in dishes like soups, stews, quiches, and pasta dishes.

How To Reheat Leftover Wilted Baby Spinach

Reheat the wilted baby spinach in a skillet over medium heat until it's warmed through and slightly sizzling. This method helps to preserve the texture and flavor of the spinach while ensuring it's heated evenly. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
For a quick and easy reheating option, microwave the wilted baby spinach in a microwave-safe dish for 30-60 seconds, or until it's heated to your desired temperature. Be sure to stir the spinach halfway through to ensure even heating and to prevent hot spots.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your leftover wilted baby spinach, try sautéing it with some additional garlic and a squeeze of lemon juice. This will brighten up the flavors and give the spinach a fresh taste.
For a more substantial meal, add your leftover wilted baby spinach to a frittata, quiche, or omelet. The spinach will add a healthy and flavorful boost to your breakfast or brunch dish.
If you have a lot of leftover wilted baby spinach, consider blending it into a smoothie or pesto. The spinach will add a nutritious kick to your drink or sauce, and you won't even notice it's there.

Interesting Trivia About Wilted Baby Spinach with Garlic and Oil

Baby spinach is a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron. It's also low in calories and high in fiber, making it a healthy addition to any meal.

Is Making This Spinach Recipe at Home Cost-Effective?

This wilted baby spinach with garlic and oil recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The key ingredients, such as olive oil and baby spinach, are affordable and readily available. The simplicity of the recipe also reduces the overall cost. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $8. This dish offers a delightful balance of flavors and nutrients, making it a great addition to any meal. I would rate this recipe a solid 9 out of 10 for its affordability, simplicity, and delicious outcome.

Is This Spinach Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

This recipe for wilted baby spinach with garlic and oil is a healthy dish that packs a nutritional punch. Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green, rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and calcium. It's also low in calories and high in fiber, making it an excellent choice for weight management. The olive oil used in this recipe is a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat that can help reduce inflammation and improve cholesterol levels. Garlic, another key ingredient, is known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties, as well as its ability to boost the immune system.

To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Use extra virgin olive oil for its higher content of beneficial polyphenols and antioxidants
Increase the amount of garlic to further enhance the dish's immune-boosting properties
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving to provide a burst of vitamin C and brighten the flavors
Sprinkle some chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, on top for added protein, healthy fats, and a satisfying crunch
Experiment with other nutrient-dense greens like kale or Swiss chard to vary the texture and flavor profile of the dish

The Editor's Opinion on This Garlic and Oil Spinach Dish

This recipe for wilted baby spinach with garlic and oil is a simple yet elegant dish that highlights the natural flavors of the spinach. The use of garlic and olive oil adds a delightful aroma and depth of flavor to the dish. The quick sautéing method helps to retain the freshness and nutrients of the baby spinach, resulting in a vibrant and delicious side dish. The seasoning with kosher salt and fresh ground pepper enhances the overall taste. It's a perfect accompaniment to any main course and a great way to incorporate healthy greens into your meal.

Enhance Your Wilted Baby Spinach with Garlic and Oil Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Root Vegetables: Try serving the wilted baby spinach with garlic and oil alongside a colorful medley of roasted root vegetables for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Grilled Chicken Breast: Pair the wilted baby spinach with garlic and oil with a juicy and flavorful grilled chicken breast for a well-balanced and protein-packed dish.

Fruit Salad: For a refreshing and light accompaniment to the wilted baby spinach with garlic and oil, consider serving a vibrant and colorful fruit salad bursting with seasonal flavors.

Creamy Mushroom Risotto: Indulge in a luxurious and creamy mushroom risotto to complement the wilted baby spinach with garlic and oil, creating a decadent and comforting meal.

Chocolate Lava Cake: Finish off the meal with a decadent and rich chocolate lava cake to satisfy your sweet tooth after enjoying the savory wilted baby spinach with garlic and oil.

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Balsamic Glazed Chicken: Sear chicken breasts in a hot skillet, then drizzle with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze for a delicious and easy weeknight dinner.

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Why trust this Wilted Baby Spinach with Garlic and Oil Recipe:

This recipe guarantees a delightful experience with fresh baby spinach sautéed to perfection in olive oil and garlic. The simplicity of the ingredients ensures a pure and authentic flavor. The use of kosher salt and fresh ground pepper enhances the natural taste of the spinach. Trust in the expertise of this recipe to deliver a dish that is both nutritious and delicious.

Share your thoughts on this Wilted Baby Spinach with Garlic and Oil Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum section. Let's discuss any tweaks or variations you'd make to this classic side dish!

FAQ:

How can I adjust the garlic flavor in this recipe?

You can adjust the garlic flavor by adding more or less garlic cloves according to your preference. If you love a strong garlic flavor, feel free to add more cloves. If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of garlic.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh baby spinach?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but keep in mind that frozen spinach contains more water. Thaw and drain the frozen spinach before using it in the recipe. The texture may be slightly different, but it will still work well.

What can I serve with wilted baby spinach with garlic and oil?

This dish pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or steak. It also complements pasta dishes and can be served alongside roasted vegetables or as a side to a hearty soup.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While it's best to enjoy this dish fresh, you can prepare the garlic and oil mixture ahead of time. When ready to serve, reheat the mixture in the skillet, then add the fresh baby spinach and wilt it just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

How can I store any leftovers?

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, gently warm the spinach in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking. It's best to enjoy the leftovers within a day or two for the best taste and texture.