Spinach with Feta & Lemon

November 21, 2013 • Autumn, Holidays & Occasions, Recipes, Seasons, Side Dishes, Spring, Vegetarian, Winter

Weather: 10 degrees, clouds and wind, snow expected later today
What I’m listening to: Despicable Me on the television

My go-to ways to eat spinach are raw in salads, blended into smoothies, and cooked into soups. However, when spinach is sautéed in a hot pan and just barely wilted, it may be at its very best. Its vibrant green color pops and is just striking on the table, straight from the steaming pan. Consider this simple and beautiful dish as an unlikely, but deliciously bright and fresh green on your holiday table.

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I had intended to include pumpkin seeds or pepitas in this recipe, however after searching high and low at several different stores in our area, I couldn’t find a single pumpkin seed in October-November. They would be great for presentation and texture. If you’re making this for Christmas dinner, consider finishing this dish with fresh pomegranate seeds for texture and color instead. You can adapt it to suit the occasion.

Spinach with Feta & Lemon

A bright and fresh side dish of lightly sautéed spinach, lemon, and feta. Adapted from Foolproof by Ina Garten.

Yields: 4 servings

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 small lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1 pound spinach leaves
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • kosher salt and black pepper

Heat the oil in a sauté pan or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until tender and translucent, about 5-6 minutes. Add 1 ½ tablespoons of lemon juice to the pan, followed by the spinach leaves. Toss the leaves in the pan 1-2 minutes, or until the leaves are beginning to wilt and turn darker green (be careful not to overcook at this stage or your pinch will turn to mush). Remove from the heat and add a generous amount of salt and pepper. Sprinkle the spinach with the feta and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, tossing gently. Serve promptly while hot.

  • Cook time: 10 minutes