Garlicky Pan-Fried Spinach with Pine Nuts & Lemon

A quick and flavorful spinach appetizer that's easy to make and perfect for sharing. The garlic, pine nuts, and lemon create a vibrant and satisfying taste.

Prep Time

5 minutes

Total Time

15 minutes

Calories

220

Level

Easy

Yields

4 servings

Cost

£0.76

Season:

☀️ Summer

Meal Type:

Lunch•Dinner

Cuisine:

Main Ingredient:

Cooking Style:

Occasion:

Dietary:

Mood:

Ingredients

Servings

1lbFresh Spinach(Baby spinach or regular spinach, thoroughly washed and dried.)

£1.75

2tablespoonsOlive Oil(Extra virgin olive oil recommended)

£0.15

3clovesGarlic(Minced)

£0.10

2tablespoonsPine Nuts(Toasted lightly for enhanced flavor)

£0.75

1tablespoonLemon(Juice of half a lemon, plus zest for garnish (optional))

£0.20

0.3teaspoonRed Pepper Flakes(Optional, for a touch of heat)

£0.05

To tasteSalt

£0.01

To tasteBlack Pepper(Freshly ground)

£0.02

Total Cost

£3.03

£0.76 per serving

The Method

1
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2
Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
3
Add the spinach to the skillet in batches. If the skillet is overcrowded, the spinach will steam instead of sauté. Cook, stirring frequently, until the spinach is wilted and tender, about 3-5 minutes.
4
Stir in the toasted pine nuts and lemon juice.
5
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6
Serve immediately. Garnish with lemon zest, if desired.

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My Notes

Nutrition Information

Nutrition per serving (115g)

220 kcal / 920 kJ

Carbs

11g

4% of RDA

Fat

17g

24% of RDA

Protein

16% of RDA

Detailed Breakdown

Fibre

5 g

17% of RDA

Sugar

3 g

3% of RDA

Sodium

150 mg

7% of RDA

Saturated Fat

2 g

10% of RDA

Chef's Tips

Make sure the spinach is completely dry before adding it to the skillet to prevent it from steaming.

Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until lightly golden, watching carefully to prevent burning.

For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of butter to the skillet along with the olive oil.

You can substitute other nuts, such as slivered almonds or chopped walnuts, for the pine nuts.

A pinch of nutmeg also adds a nice warmth to the dish.

Cooking Equipment

Large Skillet or Frying Pan

Wine Pairings

No wine pairing suggestions available for this recipe.

Complete the Meal

Dessert

Eton Mess with Elderflower and Berries

A light and refreshing Eton Mess with elderflower syrup and mixed berries, perfect for following a savory spinach dish.

45 minutes

4 servings

Easy

"Eton Mess, a classic British dessert, provides a delightful combination of textures and flavors that complements the preceding spinach dish. The sweetness of the meringue and berries balances the savory notes of garlic and lemon, while the elderflower adds a floral aroma that enhances the light and fresh mood of the meal. The airy quality of the dessert cleanses the palate after the richness of the pine nuts."