Garlic Sesame Spinach

So I have a feeling "Garlic Sesame Spinach" won't necessarily be THE most exciting or reader-drawing blog post we have this year. However, even though its not made of chocolate or made in a crock pot- it just might sneak up on you and become a regular visitor to your weekly menu. If you're like me, most weeks you focus your time planning your main course for dinner and then fill in sides around it. Some are obvious... garlic bread with spaghetti (which by the way I just found a FANTASTIC garlic bread recipe- stay tuned!) or potatoes & carrots with a roast, but not always. Many times at my house sides are just an afterthought, something I figure out that day. So I thought I'd throw a reliable, easy one out there. I usually find spinach to be another one of those polarizing foods, people either seem to love or hate. The "spinach flavor" in this recipe though is mild and out-shined by the garlic and sesame oil. So even if you don't normally like it, give it a try. Maybe you'll change your mind!?!?

I found a version of this recipe in the Food Network Magazine a few years ago. Most of the ingredients you may already have on hand. If by chance you don't keep sesame seeds in your pantry, definitely go buy some. After they're toasted they make great additions to any salad, Asian-inspired meal, or bread. Another fun tip- sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds around the edge of any homemade (or Pillsbury made if you're me) pizza crust, so good! And I'm sorry but I have to make a 10 second plug for sesame oil. I LOVE it...LOVE it...LOVE it. Love the smell, love the flavor, use it in coleslaw, salad, stir fry, to cook chicken breasts in... and it has a strong flavor, so one bottle will last a looooong time. It adds a great flavor to this spinach.

So if you have an open slot for a side on next week's menu, give this one a try!

~Wendy

Garlic Sesame Spinach

Author: Wendy

Prep time: 5 mins

Cook time: 8 mins

Total time: 13 mins

Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 10 c. fresh spinach leaves


• 5-6 garlic cloves, chopped


• 1 Tbsp vegetable oil


• 1/4 tsp salt


• 1 Tbsp sesame oil


• 1-2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.


2. Add the vegetable oil and garlic. Cook until the garlic is golden- watch carefully as garlic can burn quickly.


3. Turn the heat down to medium-low and add the spinach leaves, cook until wilted. Be sure to stir the spinach to insure it all wilts evenly, this should only take a minute or two.


4. Remove from heat and add the salt.


5. Transfer the spinach to a serving bowl. Sprinkle with the toasted sesame seeds and drizzle with the sesame oil.

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