Spinach with Garlic and Lemon

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) fresh spinach leaves 500g (1.1 lb) fresh spinach leaves
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 0g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Wash the spinach leaves thoroughly and remove any tough stems.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, bring water to a boil and blanch the spinach for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
3. 3.
   Drain the spinach and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Squeeze out any excess water.
4. 4.
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
5. 5.
   Add the blanched spinach to the skillet and toss to coat with the garlic-infused oil.
6. 6.
   Sprinkle lemon zest over the spinach and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. 7.
   Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is heated through.
8. 8.
   Remove from heat and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Spinach — Make sure to thoroughly wash the spinach leaves to remove any dirt or grit. Remove tough stems before cooking.
• Garlic — Mince the garlic finely to evenly distribute its flavor throughout the dish.
• Lemon zest — Use a microplane or fine grater to zest the lemon, avoiding the bitter white pith.
• Olive oil — Choose a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a variation, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
• Serve the spinach as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
• If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, sauté the garlic in the olive oil for a shorter time.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
• This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated gently before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Spinach with Garlic and Lemon as a side dish alongside your favorite Italian main course. It pairs well with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or pasta dishes. Garnish with a sprinkle of lemon zest for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the cooked spinach neatly on a serving platter or individual plates. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the top and garnish with a lemon wedge. Serve immediately to showcase the vibrant green color of the spinach.