Crockpot Express Sauteed Garlic Spinach

Today we’ll walk you through the process of making sauteed garlic spinach using your Crockpot Express. This simple and flavorful side dish is not only quick to prepare but also packed with nutrients.

Whether you’re new to using your Crockpot Express or a seasoned pro, this guide will help you create a delectable and healthy addition to your meals!

Ingredients:

• 8-10 ounces fresh spinach leaves, washed and dried
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Optional: red pepper flakes, lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients:
   • Wash the fresh spinach leaves thoroughly and pat them dry. Trim any tough stems if necessary.
   • Mince the garlic cloves finely. If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, you can use fewer cloves.
2. Set the Crockpot Express:
   • Plug in your Crockpot Express and select the “Brown/Saute” function. Adjust the heat level to medium.
3. Saute Garlic:
   • Add the olive oil to the Crockpot Express and let it heat up for a moment.
   • Add the minced garlic and saute for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
4. Add Spinach:
   • Gradually add the fresh spinach leaves to the Crockpot Express. Be careful, as they will wilt down significantly.
5. Season and Stir:
   • Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the spinach. You can also add red pepper flakes for a hint of spice at this stage if desired.
   • Use tongs or a spoon to gently toss and stir the spinach. This helps evenly distribute the garlic and flavors.
6. Saute and Wilt:
   • Let the spinach saute for about 2-3 minutes, or until it wilts down and turns vibrant green. Continue to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
7. Adjust Flavors:
   • Taste the sauteed garlic spinach and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add a little more salt or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Once the spinach is wilted and tender, turn off the Crockpot Express.
   • Transfer the sauteed garlic spinach to a serving dish.
   • Serve immediately as a delightful side dish to complement your main course. You can also use it in various recipes or enjoy it on its own.

Note: Sauteed garlic spinach is best enjoyed fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently if desired, being careful not to overcook the spinach.

FAQ: Sauteed Garlic Spinach in the Crockpot Express

What ingredients do I need for sauteed garlic spinach?

You’ll need fresh spinach leaves, garlic cloves, olive oil, salt, and optional ingredients like red pepper flakes or lemon juice for added flavor.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

While fresh spinach is recommended for this recipe, you can use frozen spinach as well. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before using.

How much spinach should I use?

You can use around 8-10 ounces of fresh spinach leaves, which will wilt down significantly during cooking.

Q4: How do I prepare the garlic for sauteing?

You’ll want to finely chop or mince the garlic cloves. This allows the garlic to infuse its flavor evenly throughout the spinach.

What setting do I use on the Crockpot Express?

For sauteing, use the “Brown/Saute” function on the Crockpot Express. Adjust the heat level as needed.

How long does the sauteing process take?

Sauteing garlic spinach takes only a few minutes. Once the garlic becomes fragrant and slightly golden, you can add the spinach.

Should I add any liquid while sauteing?

No additional liquid is required. The moisture from the spinach will create enough steam for cooking.

Can I customize the flavors of the dish?

Absolutely! Feel free to add red pepper flakes for a hint of spice or a squeeze of lemon juice for a tangy kick.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Keep a close eye on the garlic while sauteing and stir frequently. Garlic can burn quickly, so it’s important to prevent that.

Can I make a larger batch of sauteed garlic spinach?

Yes, you can easily scale up the recipe to accommodate larger quantities. Just make sure not to overcrowd the Crockpot Express.

Can I store leftovers?

Leftover sauteed garlic spinach can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

How can I serve sauteed garlic spinach?

This dish makes a fantastic side to a variety of main courses. It’s also great in omelets, wraps, or pasta dishes.

Can I use other greens instead of spinach?

Yes, you can experiment with other leafy greens like kale, Swiss chard, or collard greens using a similar sauteing method.

Now that you have the basics and some frequently asked questions answered, it’s time to get cooking! Enjoy the process of creating sauteed garlic spinach in your Crockpot Express, and savor the flavors of this nutritious and delightful side dish.

Crockpot Express Sauteed Garlic Spinach

This simple and flavorful side dish is not only quick to prepare but also packed with nutrients.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 3

Equipment

• Crockpot Express

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound fresh spinach
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic minced about 1 tablespoon
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

 

• Wash spinach well. Use a salad spinner or kitchen towel to fully remove liquid from spinach leaves. Trim off any large stems on the spinach.
• Set the Crockpot Express to Saute, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add in the garlic and saute for 1 minute – watch that you don't burn it!
• Add spinach, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to pan and toss the spinach to coat with the oil.
• Continue to saute for 1-2 minutes, until spinach is wilted.
• Remove from heat and drain off excess liquid off sauteed spinach if desired. Do this by placing sauteed spinach in a fine mesh colander and gently pushing down with a wooden spoon.