Sautéed Carrots and Spinach: A Delicious and Healthy Side Dish

At Ratingperson, we believe in the power of vegetables to elevate any meal. That’s why we’re excited to share this sautéed spinach and carrot recipe with you. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, you can transform your vegetables into a delicious and healthy side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this recipe is quick and easy to make. Plus, we’ll provide tips and ideas for different flavor variations to suit your taste. So, let’s get started!

The Ingredients

• Carrots: You can use regular or multi-colored carrots to bring a touch of elegance to your dish.
• Baby Spinach: If you prefer, you can also use chopped regular fresh spinach, chard, or baby kale.
• Fresh Garlic: Feel free to substitute with ½ teaspoon of garlic powder if you don’t have fresh garlic on hand.
• Sea Salt: You can use table salt or kosher salt according to your taste.
• Black Pepper
• Avocado Oil: We recommend using avocado oil for sautéing vegetables due to its higher smoke point. However, coconut oil or olive oil can be used as alternatives.

The Method

1. Prepare vegetables: Wash and peel the carrots if desired, then slice them into ⅛ inch (2-3 mm) thick rounds. Wash and dry the spinach.
2. Sauté carrots: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the carrots and cover with a lid. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then stir in the garlic. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and continue cooking for 2-4 additional minutes until the carrots are softened. If you prefer your vegetables to be crispier, cook for just 1 minute at this step.
   
3. Add spinach: Add a few handfuls of spinach at a time, cover, and allow it to wilt. Repeat this process until all of the spinach has been added.
   
4. Season: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you desire over the dish. Stir to combine, then remove from heat.
   
5. Serve

Leftovers and Storage

To store leftovers, place the spinach and carrots in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. If you prefer, you can also freeze the dish for up to 3 months, although the texture may be slightly altered. To reheat, either warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or use a microwave.

Make it Your Own

This recipe serves as a delicious base that you can customize to your liking. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Change Up the Seasoning: While the simple combination of garlic, salt, and pepper is always delightful, feel free to experiment with different flavors. For example:

  • Italian Herb: Add 2 teaspoons of Italian dried herbs seasoning.
  • Sesame Ginger: Include 1 teaspoon of minced fresh ginger along with the garlic. Stir in 1 and ½ teaspoons of sesame oil at the end.
  • Spicy: Add ¼ teaspoon of ground cayenne for a kick of heat.
  • Citrus: Use one lemon and add both the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice for a refreshing twist.

• Add More Vegetables: You can expand the variety of vegetables in this dish by including:

  • Onions
  • Mushrooms
  • Bell Peppers
  • Kale
  • Swiss Chard

Serving Ideas

To take this simple side dish to the next level, consider garnishing it with:

• Red Pepper Flakes
• Freshly Cracked Pepper
• Chopped Green Onions or other fresh herbs such as dill or parsley
• A drizzle of balsamic vinegar
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Crumbled goat cheese
• Toasted and chopped almonds

This sautéed spinach and carrots beautifully complement a wide range of meals, including:

• Turkey Swedish Meatballs
• Lemon Herb Shrimp Rice Skillet
• Gyudon-Inspired Ground Beef and Rice Bowls
• Char Siu Pulled Pork
• A simple bowl of brown rice and a chicken breast

If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like:

• Cumin Chicken and Carrots Sheet Pan
• Sautéed Frozen Green Beans
• Sautéed Spinach Pasta

For more delicious recipes and helpful cooking tips, visit Ratingperson.

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