Sautéed Spinach, Mushrooms & Caramelized Onions

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.

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Ingredients

1. Olive Oil: A heart-healthy fat used for sautéing; it adds richness and enhances the flavors of the vegetables.
2. Large Onions, Thinly Sliced: Provide a sweet and aromatic base; they caramelize beautifully, adding depth to the dish.
3. Garlic Cloves, Minced: Infuse the dish with robust flavor; best added early to release their aromatic essence.
4. Cremini Mushrooms, Sliced: Earthy and rich in umami, these mushrooms add texture and a savory depth to the dish.
5. Fresh Spinach: Nutrient-rich greens that add color and mild flavor; they wilt quickly when cooked, enhancing the dish's volume.
6. Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance flavors; adjust to taste for optimal seasoning.
7. Optional: Parmesan Cheese for Garnish: Adds a salty, savory finish; sprinkle on top for extra flavor and a touch of elegance.
8. Plant Milk: A dairy-free liquid that adds creaminess and can be used to create a sauce or enhance the dish’s richness.
9. Vegan Butter: Adds a rich, buttery flavor without dairy; perfect for sautéing and enriching sauces.

Steps

1. Heat the Olive Oil
   • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Add the Garlic
   • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
5. 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.
6. Add Liquids - plant milk, herbs, vegan cheese, seasonings.
7. 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

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course pasta, Side Dish

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 4

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.

Keyword caramelized onions, cremini mushrooms, spinach