Sautéed Spinach and Mushrooms with Garlic and Parmesan
Sautéed Spinach and Mushrooms is a simple dish, yet the rewards are wildly greater than the sum of its parts. It's a matter of finding harmony between subtly flavored ingredients and cooking them in a way that coaxes out their best qualities. This recipe is a solid template that you can customize to your heart's desire.
Mushrooms and spinach are a classic combination, with good reason: Mushrooms provide a meaty, earthy base, while spinach adds a bright, vegetal counterpoint. The combination is simple, yet satisfying, and can be dressed up or down depending on your mood. This recipe is a basic template that you can use to create your own variations, depending on what you have on hand and what you're in the mood for. Feel free to add other vegetables, such as chopped zucchini, bell pepper, or onion, or even some cooked rice or pasta. You can also add different herbs and spices to taste, such as thyme, rosemary, or red pepper flakes. And of course, don't be afraid to experiment with different types of mushrooms. Cremini mushrooms are a good all-purpose choice, but you could also use shiitake, oyster, or even portobello mushrooms. No matter what variations you make, this recipe is a surefire way to get a delicious and healthy meal on the table in no time.
Sautéed Spinach and Mushrooms with Garlic and Parmesan Sautéed Spinach and Mushrooms with Garlic and Parmesan Sautéed Spinach and Mushrooms with Garlic and Parmesan Sautéed Spinach and Mushrooms with Garlic and Parmesan
Prep time: 10 | Cook time: 10 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 1/2 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 10 ounces fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add mushrooms and onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
  4. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
  5. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
  6. Serve immediately.
Why It Works
  • The high heat of the skillet sears the mushrooms and onions, giving them a slightly crispy exterior and a tender-juicy interior.
  • Cooking the garlic in the rendered mushroom juices infuses it with an extra layer of flavor.
  • Adding the spinach at the end prevents it from overcooking and becoming mushy.
  • The grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps to bind the dish together.
  • The combination of the earthy mushrooms, bright spinach, and savory Parmesan cheese is simply irresistible.