Tender and crisp, warm spinach leaves tossed in hot olive oil and fresh lemon juice. The flavors are absolutely perfect together. I’ve been making this recipe for years and it is my favorite way to eat cooked spinach.
I was surprised the other day when I noticed that I hadn’t posted it yet. So, I snapped a quick picture of my plate the other night at dinner. I served this with some leftover chicken and it was a quick and easy dinner on a busy night.
My kids are not fans of this dish. As they have told me numerous times; they like spinach in salads, soups, and smoothies, but not all by itself. Oh well, it just means more for my husband and me!
COOKING TIP: The spinach will cook VERY quickly in the hot oil. The goal is to just barely wilt it, leaving it tender and still a bit crisp. The whole process takes just a few minutes total.
Spinach with Lemon and Pine Nuts
Ingredients
- 1 large bunch of spinach about 12 cups of baby spinach leaves or chopped spinach
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1-2 garlic cloves minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- kosher salt to taste
- freshly cracked pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon pine nuts toasted
Instructions
- Sort through the spinach, discarding stems (or including them if using baby spinach). Wash the spinach in cold water. Then spin dry or gently pat dry with towel.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet or saute pan over medium high heat. Add the garlic and lemon juice and saute just until fragrant, about a minute. Turn the heat to high, add the spinach, salt and pepper.
- Barely wilt the spinach, tossing quickly with tongs to coat all the leaves with the hot lemony garlic oil mixture. Toss in the pine nuts and add salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Chris says
Spinach is one of my favorite sides but I don't think I've every tried it with pine nuts. I'll give your version a shot, it sounds bright and good.
[email protected] says
wow this is a healthy appetizer spinach is rich with anti oxidant such as Vit E and C while the pine nuts is high in protein.
Carms says
The pine nuts I have are raw and you mentioned roasted. How do you roast your pine nuts?
Mary says
I typically toast them in a skillet until they are fragrant and lightly browned. You can also roast them in the oven, but I find the skillet method simpler for a small handful.
Annette Larke says
Delicious
Mary Younkin says
I’m glad you like it, Annette!