Sautéed Spinach

This sautéed spinach is more than a simple side dish; it is full of flavour. It is quick to prepare, uses easy ingredients, and the flavours are completely adaptable. Baby spinach is recommended to make this sautéed spinach, as they are less fibrous and tender.

If you are using the large spinach, slice the spinach into 2 inch length and extend the cooking time to 4 minutes.

Ingredients to make Sautéed Spinach

Baby spinach, Garlic, salt and Ground black pepper, Extra Virgin Olive oil.

This dish’s main ingredient is fresh baby spinach, which is complemented by spices, garlic, black pepper, and salt. For a flavour enhancement, consider adding Parmesan cheese or shavings of Grano Padano cheese.

Using extra virgin olive oil gives the baby spinach a slight fruity taste. For extra flavour, consider using red pepper flakes and a squeeze of lemon juice, which will brighten up the spinach’s flavours. This simple side dish can be served alongside grilled fish or meat or added to salad bowls for a light and nutritious meal.

Instructions

Wash the baby spinach and shake off excess water. Finely chop the garlic. Gather salt and pepper. Preheat the pan on medium-low heat. Drizzle the olive oil and add the garlic. Sauté the garlic for one to two minutes while continuously stirring. Then, add the baby spinach and cook for two minutes while continuously stirring. 

When cooked, spinach shrinks in size and becomes a darker green colour. Make sure to use the right amount of spinach when making this dish. Two hundred grams of spinach sautéed will shrink quite a lot, so it is advisable to use 200 grams per person. The liquid from the spinach combined with spices adds extra flavour to the dish. Avoid overcooking, as the spinach can become dry. Garnish with sesame seeds to serve.

Remove the excess water before beginning to cook the spinach. The spinach will reduce in size and release water, but make sure not to overcook by drying out the spinach water. Butter can be a substitute for extra virgin olive oil, which will make the sautéed spinach creamy and nutty.

What to Serve with Sautéed Spinach?

Grilled chicken with lemon and herb pairs wonderfully with sautéed spinach. The tenderness of the chicken and zesty lemon and herb flavours complement the rich earthiness of the spinach in perfect balance.

Rich and fatty fish match well with the sautéed spinach and enhance the natural flavours of the two ingredients. The earthy taste of the sautéed spinach complements the savoury flavour of the succulent steak and creates a perfect balance of the flavours.