This Sautéed Spinach, Mushrooms, and Onions recipe is a simple yet flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with almost any main course. Throw in some pasta or grains and you got yourself a full meal!
The earthy cremini mushrooms, tender fresh spinach, and caramelized onions are all cooked to perfection in a large skillet with olive oil, creating a dish that's both healthy and delicious. Whether you're looking for an easy side dish or a quick way to add some greens to your meal, this spinach recipe is a fantastic choice. Plus, it's an excellent source of vitamin K and other essential nutrients, making it as nutritious as it is tasty.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 6 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: Parmesan cheese for garnish
- Plant milk
- Vegan butter
Steps
- Heat the Olive Oil
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- Caramelize the Onions
- Add the thinly sliced onions to the skillet and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and caramelized. Reduce the heat to medium if the onions start to brown too quickly. Set aside.
- Sauté the Mushrooms
- Add the sliced cremini mushrooms to the skillet with the onions. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned and have released their moisture.
- Add the Garlic
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Cook the Spinach
- Add the fresh spinach to the skillet in batches, stirring each batch until it wilts before adding the next. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add Liquids - plant milk, herbs, vegan cheese, seasonings.
- Serve
- Once the spinach is fully wilted and everything is well combined, remove the skillet from the heat. If desired, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
Hint
To avoid overcrowding the skillet, cook the spinach in batches. This ensures even cooking and prevents the spinach from steaming rather than sautéing.
Variations
- Add Protein: Incorporate tofu or chickpeas for a more filling dish.
- Different Greens: Substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different flavor and texture.
- Flavor Boost: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or soy sauce for a tangy twist.
Top Tip
For the best caramelization, be patient with the onions and cook them slowly over medium heat. This will bring out their natural sweetness and add depth to the dish.
Substitutions
- Olive Oil: Swap with sesame oil for a nutty flavor or butter for a richer taste.
- Cremini Mushrooms: Use button mushrooms, portobello mushrooms, or shiitake mushrooms instead.
- Parmesan Cheese: Replace with vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain the spinach well before adding it to the skillet to prevent excess moisture. - How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sautéed mushrooms and onions ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat and add fresh spinach to finish the dish.
Sautéed Mushrooms, Spinach and Caramelized Onions
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large onion thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms sliced
- 6 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: Parmesan cheese for garnish
- Plant milk
- Vegan butter
Instructions
- Heat the Olive Oil
- o In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- Caramelize the Onions
- Add the thinly sliced onions to the skillet and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and caramelized. Reduce the heat to medium it the onions start to brown too quickly. Set aside.
- Sauté the Mushrooms
- Add the sliced cremini mushrooms to the skillet with the onions. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned and have released their moisture.
- Add the Garlic
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Cook the Spinach
- Add the fresh spinach to the skillet in batches, stirring each batch until it wilts before adding the next. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add Liquids - plant milk, herbs, vegan cheese, seasonings.
- Serve
- Once the spinach is fully wilted and everything is well combined, remove the skillet from the heat. If desired, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
