Spinach and Tomatoes. Fresh spinach sautéed with extra virgin olive oil, garlic, and diced tomatoes. A healthy side dish recipe, or serve with pasta for a wonderful vegetarian option.
I am really excited for this recipe. Not because the dish tastes wonderful (although it does), not because the dish is healthy (but it is), and not even because the recipe is so quick to make (only 10 minutes), I am very excited because this was the first year I grew spinach in my garden! This year was the first time I tried my hand at a fall garden.
I have been growing my own vegetables for years; I love the relaxed feeling I get from gardening and also the wonderful and healthy vegetables the garden produces. Up until this fall I have just grown vegetables in the summer. In my fall garden I decided to grow a bunch of greens (lettuce, spinach, swiss chard, and escarole), as well as, some beets and carrots. After a slow start, with unseasonably warm weather, the the spinach began to grow and then explode! I was so happy and lucky to have grown such lovely green and flavorful spinach.
NOTE
Before beginning the recipe remember to read the “Invent Your Recipe” section below for additional suggestions, recipe combinations, or ingredient alternatives.
How to Make Spinach and Tomatoes
Preparing the Spinach and Tomatoes:
- In a large pot bring the olive oil to high heat. Next, add in the sliced garlic and sauté until golden, about 1-2 minutes.
- Next, add in the spinach and sauté for 30 seconds, while mixing continuously as the spinach reduces in size.
- Finally, add in the diced tomatoes, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes.
- The below picture is what the spinach and tomatoes dish will look like when it is ready to serve.
How to Serve Spinach and Tomatoes:
- Serve the spinach and tomatoes as a side dish with a main entre, or over pasta for a great vegetarian meal option.
More Vegetarian Recipes To Try
Fried Cacuzza
Italian cacuzza squash cut into wheels, breaded, and fried until golden brown.
Zucchini with Beans and Sweet Potatoes
Zucchini sautéed with garlic, onions, tomatoes, and sweet potatoes and mixed with beans.
Stir Fry Cabbage with Green Beans
Cabbage sautéed with fresh green beans, tomatoes, and onions and mixed with stir fry sauce.
The Recipe
Spinach and Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 16 oz. fresh spinach
- 1 can diced tomatoes 15 oz.
- 2 cloves garlic sliced
- 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. black pepper
Instructions
Preparing the Spinach:
- In a large pot bring the olive oil to high heat. Next, add in the sliced garlic and sauté until golden, about 1-2 minutes.
- Next, add in the spinach and sauté for 30 seconds, while mixing continuously as the spinach reduces in size.
- Finally, add in the diced tomatoes, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes.
To Serve:
- Serve the spinach and tomatoes as a side dish with a main entre, or over pasta for a great vegetarian meal option.
Invent Your Recipe
Nutrition
Invent Your Recipe:
For this recipe I am using spinach and diced tomatoes as the main ingredients. I really enjoy spinach, so whenever I have the chance, I work it into a dish. For this recipe I decided to make spinach the focal point. This recipe will also work well with escarole, chard, broccoli rabe, green beans, and zucchini. The cooking times will vary for the other vegetables (about 10-20 minutes), because spinach really does take no time at all to cook.
I used diced tomatoes for this recipe because it is fall time and fresh tomatoes aren’t in season. Plus, I really do enjoy the convenience and flavor of diced tomatoes. If you do have fresh tomatoes or it is summer time and you can get some nice ripe plum tomatoes, I encourage you to use them.
If you do not like tomatoes, you can just leave them out. Sautéed spinach with garlic is very good in and of itself. You could also use sun dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or even just some onions, if you wanted to add some other flavors or textures besides tomatoes.
For more side dish inspired recipes like this spinach and tomatoes dish, check out our side dish recipes.
For even more ideas check out our pinterest page.
