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!
Jenn says
I used to just hate sauteed spinach, now it's one of my favorite ways to enjoy it! I've never used pine nuts with it before.. must try that!
Sue/the view from great island says
The pine nuts are a great idea, and that's a terrific shot, sauteed spinach has to be the most un-photogenic food in the world, and yours looks so appealing and fresh, great job. I'm glad you mentioned that your boys don't like spinach on its own…at least we now know they're actually human! 😉
Tricia @ saving room for dessert says
I love spinach, with eggs, tomatoes, anything. I bet the pine nuts are a great addition. And I agree with Sue – wonderful photo!
Joanne says
It's so funny to me how kids will like an ingredient only in very specific applications. I love spinach in all ways and this sounds so tasty to me!
Big Dude says
Your dish looks very appealing and we are spinach fans – planted some yesterday. While I've put vinegar on greens all of my life, I never considered cooking spinach with lemon juice – great idea.
Suchi says
The spinach looks so green and inviting…love the idea of adding pine nuts…must be adding crunch and breaking the monotony…
nancy at good food matters says
A delicious dish that I am always happy to eat!
The Slow Roasted Italian says
Not a spinach fan myself, as you know. But your picture is lovely. : )
Angie's Recipes says
Love spinach! This looks really SPRING and tempting!
Athena says
This looks great! I'm always looking for ways to prepare those wonderful leafy greens.
sportsglutton says
Good simple dish and go ahead and send over anything your kids don't want. 😉
Debbie says
Love spinach and pinenuts and can imagine they taste great together! Deb
Gerry @Foodness Gracious says
What an awesome picture! Spinach and pine nuts sound great to me..
Take care..
The Blonde Duck says
I'll eat it!
Gloria says
Look nice, really nice, I love the color!!
Becki's Whole Life says
I just bought some baby spinach at the store this morning. The pine nuts are a great addition since it gives this spinach a little crunch!
Alicia@ eco friendly homemaking says
Oh this looks so delicious!! I love spinach prepared almost any way!!
Words Of Deliciousness says
This sounds delicious. I love spinach, but usually eat it in a salad. A must try.
Katherine Martinelli says
I love spinach any which way and this looks simple and delicious! Too bad your kids don't like it but, like you said, more for you 🙂 I also love a similar dish with spinach, raisins, pine nuts, and a dash of balsamic.
Mickle in NZ says
I bought some lovely fresh spinach yesterday so your post is very timely. I'm so looking forward to trying this recipe – super thanks for sharing,
Michelle down-under in Wellington, New Zealand