| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 150 | 10g | 1.5g | 12g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 2g | 3g | 5g | 0.7g |
There’s a distinct charm to simple, homestyle cooking that can often be overlooked in the grandeur of gourmet food. The beauty lies in its ability to bring forward flavors in their richest, purest forms. Embracing this simplicity, I have a vegetable-based recipe, called Red Spinach and Garlic Sauté, that I absolutely adore.
The Tex-Mex Inspiration
Growing up in Texas, I was constantly exposed to an intriguing blend of cuisines – Texan specialties inspired by Mexican flavors – better known as Tex-Mex. Whilst Red Spinach and Garlic Sauté isn’t traditionally Tex-Mex, the idea of sautéing ingredients in olive oil and spices is something I took from my Texan upbringing. The hint of heat in the form of red chili adds a particular character that reminds me of home, effortlessly merging health and comfort in one hearty dish.
Beyond the Taste – Rich and Healthy
It’s not just the comfort and familiarity that makes me love this recipe. Red Spinach, the star of the recipe, boasts numerous health benefits. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and coupled with garlic, which is known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, this dish is unquestionably nourishing. Besides, it’s vegan friendly and incorporates the goodness of olive oil, touted for its heart-health benefits.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
What’s more, the Red Spinach and Garlic Sauté pairs like a dream with other dishes. It goes hand in hand with grilled meats, especially traditional southern barbecue. Or, serve it alongside a nice fluffy serving of quinoa or brown rice to keep things on the healthier side. The tangy flavors from the lemon juice and soy sauce balance out the overall taste of your meal, guaranteeing to tantalize your tastebuds.
All in all, the Red Spinach and Garlic Sauté is not just incredibly delectable but also packed with health. And that, my dear foodies, is why I hold this simple yet flavorful recipe close to my heart.
What You’ll Need
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red chili, deseeded and finely chopped
- 1 pound red spinach, rinsed and drained
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Method
Step One
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and chopped red chili. Sauté until the garlic is golden and the chili is softened.
Step Two
Add the red spinach to the pan and stir it in the oil to make sure all leaves are well coated. Continue to sauté until the leaves begin to wilt. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
Step Three
Season the spinach with salt and black pepper to your taste, and stir well to evenly distribute the seasoning.
Step Four
Drizzle the lemon juice, soy sauce and sprinkle the sugar over the spinach. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
Step Five
Take the pan off the heat. Your Red Spinach and Garlic Sautéed is done and ready to serve. Enjoy this healthy and flavorful side dish with your favorite main course.
