Garlic and Lemon Pan-Fried Spinach

A quick and flavorful side dish of spinach sauteed with garlic, lemon, and a touch of red pepper flakes. Perfect for a weeknight meal.

Prep Time

5 minutes

Total Time

13 minutes

Calories

220 kcal

Difficulty

Easy

Equipment

3 items

Cost

£0.62/serving

Season:

Meal Type:

Cuisine:

Main Ingredient:

Cooking Style:

Occasion:

Dietary:

Mood:

Ingredients

Servings

1poundFresh Spinach(Baby spinach or mature spinach, thoroughly washed and dried.)

£1.75

3clovesGarlic(Minced)

£0.20

2tablespoonsOlive Oil(Extra virgin olive oil preferred)

£0.15

0.5Lemon(Juice and zest)

£0.30

0.3teaspoonRed Pepper Flakes(Optional, adjust to taste)

£0.05

0.3teaspoonSalt(Or to taste)

£0.01

0.3teaspoonBlack Pepper(Freshly ground, or to taste)

£0.03

Total Cost

£2.49

£0.62 per serving

Instructions

1.
Wash and thoroughly dry the spinach. Remove any thick stems from mature spinach.
2.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
3.
Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
4.
Add the spinach to the skillet in batches, if necessary, to avoid overcrowding. Stir continuously as it wilts.
5.
Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until all the spinach is wilted and tender, about 2-3 minutes.
6.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
7.
Serve immediately.

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My Notes

Nutrition Information

Nutrition per serving (113g)

220 kcal / 921 kJ

Carbs

15g

6% of RDA

Fat

17g

24% of RDA

Protein

14% of RDA

Detailed Breakdown

Fibre

6 g

20% of RDA

Sugar

3 g

3% of RDA

Sodium

300 mg

13% of RDA

Saturated Fat

2 g

10% of RDA

Chef's Tips

For a creamier spinach dish, add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk after adding the lemon juice.

If using mature spinach, consider blanching it briefly in boiling water before sauteing to reduce bitterness.

A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving brightens the flavor.

Don't overcrowd the pan, or the spinach will steam instead of saute, and it will take much longer to cook and won't have as good of a flavor.

Cooking Equipment

Large Skillet or Wok

Cutting Board

Knife

Wine Pairings

No wine pairing suggestions available for this recipe.

Complete the Meal

Dessert

Eton Mess with Elderflower Liqueur

A light and refreshing twist on the classic Eton Mess, infused with delicate elderflower notes. Perfect after a savory meal.

45 minutes

4 servings

Easy

"Eton Mess is a classic British dessert that provides a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of the preceding dishes. The combination of meringue, berries, and whipped cream offers a light and airy sweetness. The addition of elderflower liqueur adds a delicate floral note that complements both the lemon and garlic, creating a balanced and refreshing finish."