Easy Braised Spinach Recipe

There’s something special about the way a few humble ingredients can come together to create a healthy side. Braised spinach is one of those recipes, simple, wholesome, and surprisingly delicious. It’s the perfect side dish when you want something quick, healthy, and full of flavor.

This is the kind of recipe you’ll make once and then keep coming back to. Whether you’re serving it with grilled chicken, roast vegetables, or a bowl of rice, this easy braised spinach will fit right in. It’s earthy, garlicky, and beautifully balanced with a touch of tomato and spice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re looking for an easy way to cook spinach that actually tastes amazing, you’ve just found it. Here’s why this recipe deserves a place in your regular rotation:

1. Quick and easy – You only need one pot and less than 25 minutes.
2. Healthy – Spinach is loaded with vitamins, iron, and fiber.
3. Flavorful – The mix of onion, garlic, tomato, and a hint of chilli makes it anything but boring.
4. Budget-friendly – It’s made with everyday pantry ingredients.
5. Versatile – Serve it with anything from grilled meats to crusty bread or rice.

Simple. Delicious. Foolproof. Exactly what a weeknight side dish recipe should be.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this braised spinach recipe:

Baby spinach: Quick-cooking, and full of nutrients, baby spinach is the star of this dish. It wilts beautifully without becoming mushy and brings natural sweetness and freshness to the pot. You can use regular spinach too, just remove the thicker stems before cooking.

Tip: Rinse your spinach in salted water to remove grit and sand.

Cooking oil (vegetable, canola, or olive oil): A little oil helps the aromatics cook evenly and carry the flavors through the spinach.

Onion: Onions form the flavor base. When sautéed until translucent, they add a gentle sweetness that balances the spice from the dried chillies and the tanginess of the tomato.

Dried red chillies: These add just the right kick of heat and a smoky undertone. They also give the dish that comforting depth you’d expect from a slowly braised side. Adjust the number of chillies depending on how fiery you like your spinach.

Minched garlic: Garlic deepens the flavor and pairs perfectly with the spinach’s earthy taste. Freshly minced garlic works best for this recipe.

Tomato: Tomato adds a mild acidity, and a natural sweetness that rounds everything out. As it cooks down, it creates a base that helps the spinach absorb all those delicious flavors.

Fine salt: Salt enhances every other ingredient and helps bring balance to the dish. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste once the spinach is cooked down.

How to Make Braised Spinach

This is one of those recipes that’s hard to get wrong. Follow these easy steps and you’ll have a healthy, flavorful side dish in no time.

Step 1: Prep the Spinach

Rinse your spinach thoroughly in salted water. Drain and roughly chop the leaves. Set aside while you start your base.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

In a medium-sized pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent for about 3 – 4 minutes. The goal here is to draw out their natural sweetness.

Step 3: Add the Garlic and Chillies

Stir in the garlic and dried chillies. Let them cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown.

4. Add the Tomato

Now add the chopped tomato. Stir, cover the pot halfway, and let it cook for about 3 -5 minutes until the tomato breaks down.

5. Add the Spinach

Time for the star ingredient! Add your chopped spinach to the pot. The spinach should shrink a lot as it cooks. Stir gently until it starts to wilt.

6. Season and Simmer

Add the salt and continue cooking for another 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally until most of the water from the spinach evaporates. You’ll end up with soft greens coated in a savory onion-tomato mixture.

7. Taste and Adjust

Give it a quick taste test. Add more salt if needed or a drizzle of oil for a richer finish.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is wonderfully versatile and pairs with just about anything. Try it with:

• Grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a balanced dinner.
• Rice or quinoa for a light vegetarian meal.
• Mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for cozy comfort food vibes.
• Or simply on toast with a fried egg, quick, healthy, and delicious.

Tips for Perfect Braised Spinach

Don’t overcook it – Spinach should stay bright green and tender, not mushy or dull.
Adjust the spice – Use more or fewer chillies depending on your taste.
Keep it fresh – Fresh spinach gives the best flavor and texture. Frozen spinach can work in a pinch, but make sure to drain it well.
Add extras – Want a twist? Stir in diced potatoes, chickpeas, or a splash of coconut milk for a richer version.

Storage and Reheating

Store any remaining spinach in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm it gently in a pan over low heat or pop it in the microwave fora few seconds.

Did You Try This Recipe?

Did you make this Easy Braised Spinach? Tell me how it went in the comments! I always enjoy hearing your kitchen stories and little twists on my recipes.

Until next time, stay inspired, stay hungry, and keep cooking!