This elegant sautéed spinach with caramelized onions transforms simple ingredients into a sophisticated side dish. The slow-cooked onions develop a natural sweetness that perfectly complements the earthy flavor of fresh spinach, while garlic and optional balsamic vinegar add depth and richness. It’s a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted fish, or can stand alone as a light vegetarian meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions with a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and caramelized. Add a splash of water if onions begin to stick.
- Add minced garlic to the caramelized onions and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add fresh spinach to the skillet, tossing with onions and garlic. Cook for 3-5 minutes until spinach is wilted.
- Season with salt, pepper, and balsamic vinegar if desired. Add red pepper flakes for heat if using.
- Toss everything together and cook for another minute. Remove from heat and serve warm.
Variations
- Mediterranean Style – Add crumbled feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh oregano during the last minute of cooking for a Greek-inspired twist.
- Nutty Delight – Toast pine nuts or sliced almonds in the pan before adding onions, then sprinkle them back on top before serving for added crunch and richness.
- Creamy Version – Stir in 2-3 tablespoons of heavy cream or coconut cream after the spinach wilts for a luxurious, restaurant-style finish.
Cooking Notes
- Spinach Selection – Baby spinach works best as it’s more tender and requires less cooking time. If using mature spinach, remove thick stems and chop leaves roughly before adding.
- Onion Caramelization – Keep heat at medium to prevent burning. Properly caramelized onions should be deep golden brown and jammy in texture, not crispy or charred.
- Moisture Management – Fresh spinach releases water as it cooks, so avoid covering the pan to allow excess moisture to evaporate and prevent a watery dish.
Serving Suggestions
- Protein Pairings – Serve alongside grilled chicken breast, baked salmon, or roasted turkey for a complete, balanced meal.
- Grain Bowls – Layer over quinoa, brown rice, or farro with a sprinkle of hemp seeds for a nutritious vegetarian lunch bowl.
- Breakfast Enhancement – Top with a poached egg and serve with whole grain toast for a sophisticated brunch dish rich in iron and nutrients.
Tips
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Caramelize onions in batches and store in the refrigerator for up to a week, then simply reheat and add fresh spinach when ready to serve.
- Flavor Boost – A splash of white wine or vegetable broth added with the garlic creates extra depth and helps deglaze any browned bits from the pan.
- Storage Solution – Leftovers keep well for 2-3 days refrigerated and can be reheated gently in a skillet or used cold as a salad topping.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 180mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh? – While fresh spinach is preferred for better texture, you can substitute with 10 oz frozen spinach. Thaw completely and squeeze out excess water before adding to the caramelized onions.
- How do I know when the onions are properly caramelized? – Properly caramelized onions take 15-20 minutes and should be deep golden brown with a sweet, jammy consistency. They should not be crispy or burnt, but soft and translucent with rich color.
- Can this dish be made ahead of time? – Yes, you can caramelize the onions up to a week in advance and store them refrigerated. When ready to serve, simply reheat the onions and add fresh spinach for the final 3-5 minutes of cooking.
- What can I substitute for balsamic vinegar? – Red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice work well as alternatives. Each adds a different flavor profile but provides the same acidic balance to complement the sweet onions.
Conclusion
This sautéed spinach with caramelized onions proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. The slow-cooked sweetness of the onions paired with nutrient-rich spinach makes this dish both delicious and healthful. Whether served as an elegant side dish for dinner parties or a quick weeknight accompaniment, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The versatility of this dish means it complements virtually any main course while providing essential vitamins and minerals. Master this technique, and you’ll have a go-to recipe that transforms ordinary vegetables into something truly special.
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Spinach with Caramelized Onions
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This elegant sautéed spinach with caramelized onions transforms simple ingredients into a sophisticated side dish. The slow-cooked onions develop a natural sweetness that perfectly complements the earthy flavor of fresh spinach, while garlic and optional balsamic vinegar add depth and richness. It’s a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted fish, or can stand alone as a light vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions with a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and caramelized. Add a splash of water if onions begin to stick.
- Add minced garlic to the caramelized onions and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add fresh spinach to the skillet, tossing with onions and garlic. Cook for 3-5 minutes until spinach is wilted.
- Season with salt, pepper, and balsamic vinegar if desired. Add red pepper flakes for heat if using.
- Toss everything together and cook for another minute. Remove from heat and serve warm.
Notes
For best results, don’t rush the caramelization process – the slow cooking develops the onions’ natural sweetness. Fresh spinach works better than frozen for this recipe as it maintains better texture. The dish can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: spinach, caramelized onions, healthy side dish, vegetarian, quick dinner