Prepare to transform your ordinary spinach side dish into a culinary masterpiece that will have your dinner guests begging for seconds! This isn't just another boring vegetable recipe - it's a luxurious blend of silky sour cream, crisp toasted pine nuts, and vibrant fresh spinach that elevates a simple green into a gourmet experience. In just 15 minutes, you'll create a dish that's both elegant and incredibly easy to prepare, proving that restaurant-quality cooking is within everyone's reach.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash the fresh spinach leaves under cold running water, removing any stems or damaged leaves. Gently pat dry using clean kitchen towels or paper towels.
- Place a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add olive oil and allow it to warm for about 30 seconds until it shimmers slightly.
- Add pine nuts to the heated pan and toast them, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn golden brown and release a nutty aroma. Remove pine nuts and set aside on a plate.
- In the same pan, add the washed spinach leaves. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts and reduces in volume, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Once spinach is tender and bright green, remove from heat and drain any excess liquid using a colander.
- Transfer the cooked spinach to a serving dish. Gently fold in the sour cream, ensuring even distribution throughout the spinach.
- Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts over the top of the spinach and sour cream mixture.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately while still warm.
Tips
- Always choose fresh, crisp spinach leaves for the best texture and flavor. Look for bright green leaves without any yellowing or wilting.
- When toasting pine nuts, watch them carefully - they can burn quickly! Keep them moving in the pan and remove from heat the moment they turn golden brown.
- Pat spinach leaves completely dry before cooking to prevent excess water from making your dish soggy.
- Use a non-stick skillet for easier cooking and cleanup.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a small minced garlic clove when sautéing the spinach or a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest before serving.
- Serve immediately after adding sour cream to maintain the perfect temperature and creamy consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 164kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 5g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 20mg
