Simply Super Spinach

R

emember Popeye growing up? Turns out he was on to something. Spinach is a nutrition powerhouse. It’s got fiber, and is packed with vitamins, minerals, and is also a good source of iron. Dark leafy greens are an important source of beta-carotene, a disease-fighting antioxidant, that research shows to be important in the fight against cancer and heart disease. Raw spinach is a good source of vitamin C, another powerful antioxidant, so add it to your dinner salad. It adds its own distinct flavor and texture, too.

Here is a super simple way to cook it. It makes a delicious and healthy side dish for those nights when dinner prep time is short, and can easily complement a variety of entrees.

Spinach Saute

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 1/4 pounds spinach, trimmed, washed, and dried
2-3 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced
Salt and pepper, to taste

In a large saute pan, heat the oil until hot. Add the spinach and the garlic, and cook, stirring, for about 2 minutes, until spinach wilts. Remove the spinach from the heat and season to taste. Toss and serve.

Spinach will cook down quite a bit. Since cooking concentrates nutrients and fiber, a serving of cooked spinach is a delicious and healthy addition to any dinner.