Easy Italian Sauteed Spinach with Garlic Recipe

This Italian sautéed spinach is a testament to simplicity and health, making it a perfect side dish for any meat main. With just olive oil and garlic, these leafy greens transform into a delicious accompaniment. It's an easy recipe that promises a beautiful presentation and a nutritious addition to your meal.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Italian

Diet Diabetic, Gluten Free, Low Calorie, Low Fat, Low Lactose, Vegan, Vegetarian

Keyword sauteed spinach, spinach saltati, stir fried spinach

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 10

Total Time 30

Servings people

Calories 79kcal

Author Laura Tobin

Equipment

Ingredients

2 lb fresh spinach
2 peeled garlic cloves
dried hot chili optional
2 anchovies stored in salt anchovy fillets, optional
2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon salt

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Clean the spinach

Fill a large bowl with cold water and submerging the spinach leaves, gently swishing them to loosen any trapped particles
The dirt will settle at the bottom of the bowl.
Lift the leaves out into a colander, then drain the dirty water and repeat the process until the water remains clear.
Place the washed spinach in the basket of the spinner, secure the lid, and spin it vigorously to drain all the water

Sauteed the spinach

Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
Add the garlic cloves and optional red pepper flakes to the oil, stirring frequently.
Optional: add 2 anchovy fillets and let them melt
Cook until the garlic turns golden brown, being careful not to burn it.
Carefully add the properly drained spinach to the pan. Ensure there's no excess water to prevent the oil from splattering.
Initially, the spinach might fill the pan, but don't worry; it will significantly reduce in volume as it cooks.
Cover the pan with a lid and gently press down to help the spinach start wilting.
Once the spinach has reduced, remove the lid and stir to ensure even cooking.
Season with a generous pinch of salt and continue cooking until the spinach is fully wilted and tender.
Serve the sautéed spinach warm as a delicious and healthy side dish.

Video

Notes

While spinach is the star of this recipe, you can easily substitute it with other hearty greens such as Swiss chard or broccoli rabe.
It can be served topped with some parmesan cheese or some fresh lemon juice.
Use a salad spinner to remove excess water, to prevent the oil from splattering.
Spinach will significantly reduce in volume as it cooks and releases a lot of water, you may want to remove some before serving them

Nutrition