Ingredients and Weight:
- Fresh spinach: 500 grams (about 1 pound)
- Extra virgin olive oil: 3 tablespoons
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Garlic (chopped): 2 cloves
- Red pepper flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 10 minutes
- Cooking: 15 minutes
- Total: 25 minutes
Difficulty Level:
Level 2 (Moderate)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Prepare the spinach by removing any tough stems and washing thoroughly.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the spinach. Blanch for 2-3 minutes, then remove and drain.
- Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for a minute.
- Add the blanched spinach and season with salt.
- Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes, until the spinach is well coated with oil and slightly wilted.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 150 kcal (based on using extra virgin olive oil)
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 4g
Dish Characteristics:
- Easy to prepare with common ingredients found in American supermarkets.
- The dish has a mild garlic flavor with a slight kick of heat from the red pepper flakes, if used.
- The spinach is coated in a delicious olive oil, making it both flavorful and nutritious.
User Comments:
- "This is a great side dish! The spinach was so fresh and full of flavor."
- "I love the combination of garlic and olive oil, it brings out the natural sweetness of the spinach."
- "I added more red pepper flakes than recommended, it gave the dish a nice kick!"
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Make sure to thoroughly wash the spinach to remove any dirt or impurities.
- Blanching the spinach helps to retain its bright green color and texture.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your preference, adding more salt or red pepper flakes if desired.