Are you tired of bland, boring vegetable sides that make your dinner guests yawn? Prepare to elevate your culinary game with this extraordinary Spinach with Shallots and Pine Nuts recipe! In just 15 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that combines the earthy richness of toasted pine nuts, the delicate sweetness of caramelized shallots, and the vibrant freshness of perfectly wilted spinach. This isn't just a side dish—it's a flavor explosion that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh spinach
- 2 shallots, sliced
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash the fresh spinach leaves under cold running water, removing any stems or damaged leaves. Gently pat dry using clean kitchen towels or paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Place a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add pine nuts and toast them carefully, stirring frequently, until they become golden brown and fragrant (approximately 2-3 minutes). Remove pine nuts from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced shallots and sauté until they become translucent and slightly caramelized, which typically takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the prepared spinach leaves to the skillet with shallots. Toss gently using tongs or a wooden spoon, ensuring the spinach is evenly coated with oil and shallots.
- Cook the spinach for 1-2 minutes, just until the leaves begin to wilt but still maintain a vibrant green color. Be careful not to overcook, as spinach can quickly become mushy.
- Season the spinach with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the toasted pine nuts over the spinach. Gently toss to combine.
- Transfer the spinach mixture to a serving dish, ensuring an even distribution of shallots and pine nuts. Serve immediately while warm.
Tips
- Always use fresh spinach and wash it thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit.
- Toast pine nuts carefully—they can burn quickly, so keep a close eye and stir frequently.
- Use a wide skillet to ensure even cooking and prevent spinach from steaming instead of wilting.
- Cook spinach just until it begins to wilt to maintain its bright green color and nutritional value.
- Season gradually and taste as you go to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
- For extra richness, consider adding a small pat of butter or a splash of lemon juice at the end.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the optimal texture and temperature of the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 160kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
