Elevate your superfood greens with a generous sprinkle of garlic, salt, and pepper.
Spinach often gets a bad rap, but this wilted spinach recipe is anything but boring. When you sauté spinach, the bright green leaves soften, shrink, and darken in color. This brings out more flavors, nutrients, and moisture, creating a silky and succulent side dish that can be enjoyed as is or with a wide array of main dishes.
I use this recipe all the time! Because it’s a recipe that is super quick to prepare, I can make this when I’m in a pinch for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It goes perfectly in my morning omelets, turkey paninis for lunch, and as a healthy side for dinner. But really, the possibilities are endless for how you can enjoy it.
Even picky eaters will enjoy this dish, especially when it’s used in something they love, like mac and cheese or cheese pizza. There are many ways to incorporate this simple dish into other entrées or recipes, so get creative and see what works best for you and your family.
Is Wilted Spinach Healthy?
Yes, it is. Wilted spinach is low in fat, high in fiber, and full of nutrients. Spinach is especially known for its high iron content and can be a great way for plant-based eaters to up their iron intake. Cooking spinach actually helps to release more of the nutrients like iron and calcium than if you were to eat it raw. The olive oil in this recipe also provides you with a good dose of healthy fats and antioxidants. This recipe is totally gluten-free, sugar-free, and vegan.
The Ancient Origins of Spinach
Not only is spinach rich with nutrients; it’s also rich with history. It is believed that spinach was first cultivated in Persia around 2,000 years ago. By the 11th century, it spread throughout the continent of Europe after being introduced by Muslims from North Africa. In the Middle Ages, it was used in many dishes, especially for religious fasting from meat.
Since spinach can grow easily in most climates, it has become a popular option for both large farms and at-home gardens. Today, there are various forms of spinach, including savoy, flat-leaf, and semi-savoy types.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
While this spinach is best enjoyed immediately after cooking, you can refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. You can also put it in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Make sure to thaw in the fridge overnight before briefly reheating on the stove with a tablespoon of olive oil.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this dish as a side to Stuffed Pork Chops, Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie, or with a Keto Chicken Salad.
If you’re serving it alone, top it with a bright and spicy Carrot-Ginger Dressing.
You’d be surprised by how many ways there are to use wilted spinach. Explore the different options and enjoy!
Ingredients
- 10 ounces fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the spinach leaves and shake off excess water, but keep them slightly damp.
- Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the damp spinach leaves to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper. Toss with tongs for about 2-3 minutes, until the spinach is just wilted. Remove from heat immediately.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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