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.
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!
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.
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
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Heat a large skillet over high heat until hot. When hot, add the olive oil and garlic.
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Sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes, until the color is golden on both sides.
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Add the spinach to the skillet and toss with oil to coat. Reduce the heat to medium and stir.
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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:
- Spread the cooled spinach on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about an hour, or until the spinach is frozen solid.
- Transfer the frozen spinach to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible.
- Label the container or bag with the date and amount of spinach.
- 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:
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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.
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