Sautéed mushrooms with spinach is a simple, delicious, and nutritious dish that fits well into any meal. Whether you’re serving it as a side, incorporating it into your main course, or using it as a topping, this recipe provides a flavorful way to enjoy healthy ingredients.
Let’s dive into a step-by-step guide to creating this wholesome dish!
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 120 per serving
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Ingredients
To make sautéed mushrooms with spinach, you’ll need the following fresh ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a rich, fruity base to the sauté.
- 1 pound mushrooms (cremini, button, or a mix): Sliced. You can choose any type of mushroom you like, but cremini mushrooms offer a firm texture and a rich, savory flavor.
- 4 cups fresh spinach: Packed with nutrients, spinach cooks down quickly and pairs well with mushrooms.
- 4 cloves garlic: Minced. Fresh garlic provides an aromatic depth to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Freshly squeezed to brighten the flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning.
- Optional garnish: A handful of fresh parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you want a spicy kick.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by gathering and preparing all the ingredients so you can cook seamlessly. Wash the mushrooms thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel. Slice them evenly to ensure that they cook at the same rate. Clean the spinach and set it aside. Mince the garlic and juice the lemon.
Step 2: Heat the Pan
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Choose a skillet large enough to hold all the mushrooms in a single layer to ensure even browning. The olive oil will provide a rich foundation for the mushrooms to develop their flavor.
Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms
Once the oil is shimmering but not smoking, add the sliced mushrooms in a single layer. Resist the urge to stir immediately. Let them sit undisturbed for 3–4 minutes. This allows the mushrooms to develop a golden-brown color on one side, giving them a delicious caramelized flavor.
After that, stir occasionally for an additional 5–7 minutes until the mushrooms soften and turn a deep brown color. Mushrooms tend to release moisture as they cook, so the initial water content will evaporate, leaving behind a concentrated flavor.
Step 4: Add Garlic
When the mushrooms are almost fully browned, add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning the garlic. Garlic burns quickly, and burnt garlic can taste bitter, so be sure to keep an eye on the skillet.
Step 5: Add the Spinach
Once the garlic becomes fragrant, it’s time to add the spinach. You may need to add it in batches, as spinach can take up a lot of space before wilting. Toss the spinach gently to mix it with the mushrooms and garlic. The heat will quickly wilt the spinach, and within 2–3 minutes, the spinach will reduce in volume and turn a vibrant green.
Step 6: Season and Add Lemon Juice
As soon as the spinach has wilted, season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Then, add a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, tossing everything together to combine. The lemon juice adds a fresh, citrusy note that balances the richness of the mushrooms and the spinach’s slight bitterness.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Your sautéed mushrooms with spinach are now ready to serve! The dish is best enjoyed hot and fresh. You can serve it as a side dish, add it to grain bowls, or use it as a topping for meats, pasta, or even pizza.
Tips for Success
To make this dish even more delicious, follow these tips:
- Use a large skillet: To get the best sear on the mushrooms, use a large skillet. Overcrowding the pan can cause the mushrooms to steam instead of brown.
- High heat for mushrooms: When cooking mushrooms, use medium-high heat to encourage browning and evaporation of moisture. Lower heat will cause them to release water and become soggy.
- Don’t rush the garlic: Once you add garlic, be careful to sauté it only briefly. Overcooking garlic can turn it bitter and diminish its flavor.
- Fresh spinach: Baby spinach works best in this recipe as it wilts quickly and has a tender texture. You can use regular spinach, but consider removing the tougher stems for a more delicate dish.
- Experiment with mushrooms: Feel free to experiment with different types of mushrooms. Shiitake, oyster, or wild mushrooms can add unique textures and flavors to this simple dish.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
Add a Protein
This recipe can easily become a more substantial meal by adding a protein such as grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even tofu. For a vegetarian meal, simply top with a poached egg or stir in some chickpeas.
Make It Creamy
For a richer variation, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of crème fraîche just before serving. The creamy addition complements the mushrooms beautifully and creates a more indulgent dish.
Serve with Grains
Sautéed mushrooms and spinach pair wonderfully with a variety of grains. Serve them over quinoa, farro, or brown rice to make a hearty and nutritious meal.
Use as a Topping
These sautéed mushrooms and spinach make an excellent topping for pasta, risotto, or even pizza. You can also stuff them into an omelet or use them as a filling for crepes.
Add a Spicy Twist
If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or some diced chili peppers to the garlic for a spicy kick. It’s a great way to liven up the flavors if you enjoy a bit of spice in your food.
Nutritional Benefits
This dish not only tastes great but also offers a number of health benefits:
- Mushrooms: Rich in B vitamins, selenium, and antioxidants, mushrooms are a great source of nutrients that support overall health. They are also low in calories and provide a satisfying, meaty texture for vegetarians.
- Spinach: Known as a superfood, spinach is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, iron, and folate. It’s low in calories but rich in nutrients, making it an ideal addition to a balanced diet.
- Garlic: Garlic is well-known for its immune-boosting properties, thanks to its sulfur compounds. It also adds a bold flavor to dishes without adding extra calories.
Conclusion
Sautéed mushrooms with spinach is an easy-to-make, nutritious, and versatile dish that fits any meal of the day. The combination of savory mushrooms, tender spinach, aromatic garlic, and the zing of fresh lemon makes for a perfect, flavorful side or main dish. In just under 30 minutes, you can create a dish that not only tastes delicious but also provides plenty of nutrients for your body.
Next time you’re looking for a quick and healthy recipe, give this sautéed mushrooms with spinach a try. Its simplicity and adaptability make it a must-have in your recipe collection!
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