We absolutely love how leeks and spinach come together in this vibrant recipe, turning simple veggies into a flavorful star of any meal. Originating from hearty European traditions, leeks add a mild, onion-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with the fresh, earthy notes of spinach, making it a go-to for quick weeknight dinners.
This dish isn’t just tasty—it’s packed with nutrients that keep us feeling great, and we’re excited to share our easy twist on it. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, our leeks and spinach recipe promises a satisfying bite every time.
Ingredients
In our leeks and spinach recipe, we gather fresh, high-quality ingredients that highlight the mild sweetness of leeks and the earthy flavor of spinach. These elements form the foundation of a nutritious, vibrant dish perfect for quick weeknight meals. We order the ingredients below as they are typically used in preparation, with specific prep notes for accuracy and ease.
- Leeks: 2 medium-sized, thoroughly washed and thinly sliced (we recommend trimming the roots and dark green tops to focus on the tender white and light green parts, which add a subtle onion-like depth)
- Spinach: 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves, rinsed and patted dry (this provides a tender, nutrient-packed base that wilts beautifully for a fresh, green contrast)
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced (we use this early to infuse the dish with aromatic warmth that complements the vegetables)
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin (select a high-quality option for sautéing, as it enhances the natural flavors with its fruity notes)
- Onion: 1 small yellow, finely chopped (added alongside leeks for extra layers of sweetness and texture)
- Lemon: 1 medium, juiced (we incorporate this towards the end to brighten the flavors with a zesty, citrusy finish)
- Salt and pepper: ½ teaspoon sea salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper, to taste (these seasonings bring out the best in our vegetables, ensuring a balanced, savory profile)
Tools and Equipment
To prepare our leeks and spinach recipe efficiently and safely, we need a selection of essential tools that streamline the process from prep to serving. These items ensure precision and ease, allowing us to focus on the flavors of our fresh ingredients like leeks and spinach.
Below is a curated list of the key tools, organized by the stages of preparation and cooking. We’ve bolded the tool names for quick reference and italicized any important tips to enhance your cooking experience.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy, non-slip cutting board is crucial for chopping our leeks, onion, and garlic. Opt for a large one to minimize mess and ensure safe handling of slippery vegetables.
- Chef’s Knife: This versatile knife helps us slice the leeks into even rings and mince the garlic quickly. We recommend a sharp, 8-inch blade for efficiency and to reduce the risk of injury during prep.
- Large Skillet or Frying Pan: Ideal for sautéing the leeks and spinach together, this should be non-stick or stainless steel with a 10-12 inch diameter to accommodate the volume of ingredients. Choose one with high sides to prevent splatters when adding olive oil and seasonings.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Perfect for stirring the mixture without scratching the pan, ensuring even cooking of our spinach and leeks. Use a heat-resistant version to maintain control over the gentle sauté process.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key for ingredients like olive oil and lemon juice, so we rely on a set of these for precision. For example, use the 1-cup measure for spinach to avoid overpacking.
- Colander: Essential for rinsing and draining our fresh spinach and leeks to remove any dirt or excess water. A medium-sized colander works best to handle up to 4 cups of greens at once.
- Garlic Press (Optional): If we prefer finely minced garlic without the extra chopping, this tool speeds things up. It’s a time-saver for recipes like ours where garlic enhances the earthy flavors.
By having these tools ready, we seamlessly transition from gathering ingredients to creating a delicious, nutritious dish that highlights the mild sweetness of leeks and the vibrant taste of spinach.
Instructions
We guide you through preparing our flavorful Recipe with Leeks and Spinach, transforming fresh ingredients into a nutritious dish that’s both simple and satisfying. Let’s break it down into easy steps for a seamless cooking experience.
Prep
In this stage, we focus on readying our key ingredients like leeks and fresh baby spinach to ensure everything is prepped for cooking.
- Clean the leeks: Start by trimming the roots and dark green tops from two medium-sized leeks, then slice them lengthwise and rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any grit, yielding about 2 cups of cleaned, sliced leeks for a crisp, mild sweetness.
- Prepare the vegetables: Dice one small yellow onion into fine pieces and mince 2 cloves of garlic, setting aside for later use—these will add a pungent aroma that complements the earthy notes of the spinach.
- Wash the spinach: Rinse 4 cups of fresh baby spinach in a colander under cool water, then pat dry with a clean towel to preserve its vibrant green color and tender texture, ready for quick incorporation.
Cook
Here, we cook the ingredients in a large skillet to develop rich flavors, using tools like a wooden spoon to stir and enhance the natural tastes of leeks and spinach.
- Sauté the base: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the diced onion and minced garlic, stirring gently for 2-3 minutes until they turn golden and release a fragrant, savory scent that fills the kitchen.
- Add the leeks: Incorporate the sliced leeks into the skillet, cooking for 5-7 minutes while stirring occasionally, until they soften and develop a sweet, caramelized edge that balances the dish’s overall profile.
- Wilt the spinach: Toss in the 4 cups of prepared fresh baby spinach, stirring for 1-2 minutes until it wilts down into a vibrant, tender mass, infusing the mixture with its fresh, earthy essence and creating a colorful, aromatic blend.
Assemble
Finally, we bring everything together to finalize our Recipe with Leeks and Spinach, adding final touches for a harmonious finish.
- Season and brighten: Remove the skillet from heat, then squeeze in the juice of half a lemon along with ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of pepper, tossing everything evenly to coat and enhance the flavors with a zesty, refreshing lift.
- Serve immediately: Transfer the mixture to a serving platter, allowing the warm, inviting aromas of leeks and spinach to mingle, resulting in a dish that’s visually appealing with its bright greens and ready to enjoy in under 30 minutes total.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To help you prepare our leeks and spinach recipe efficiently for busy schedules, we recommend these straightforward steps. This approach keeps the mild sweetness of leeks and the earthy flavor of spinach vibrant, ensuring a quick assembly when you’re ready to serve.
Prepping Ingredients in Advance
We suggest prepping your ingredients up to 24 hours ahead to minimize last-minute tasks:
- Clean and slice the leeks: Trim the roots and dark green tops from two medium-sized leeks, slice them into thin half-moons, and soak in cold water to remove grit. Drain and pat dry before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Wash and prep the spinach: Rinse four cups of fresh baby spinach under cool water, spin dry, and store in a breathable bag in the fridge to maintain its crisp texture.
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic: Chop one small yellow onion into fine dice and mince two cloves of garlic, then place them in separate sealed containers to prevent odor transfer.
Cooking the Dish Ahead
If you want to cook the entire dish in advance, follow these steps to preserve flavors:
- Sauté the onion and garlic in two tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat until fragrant and golden, about 3 minutes.
- Add the sliced leeks and cook until they caramelize and release their sweet aroma, stirring occasionally for 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the spinach until it wilts and turns a vibrant green, then season with one tablespoon of lemon juice, half a teaspoon of salt, and a quarter teaspoon of pepper.
- Let the mixture cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Proper storage is key to retaining the dish’s fresh, aromatic qualities. Here’s how we handle it:
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 3 days | Store in a glass container to prevent sogginess; the leeks will retain their texture best when cooled quickly. |
| Freezer | Up to 2 months | Portion into freezer-safe bags for easy thawing; avoid over-freezing to preserve the spinach’s earthy flavor. |
When reheating, gently warm the dish in a skillet over low heat for 2-3 minutes, adding a splash of water if needed to refresh moisture and enhance the natural flavors. This ensures our leeks and spinach recipe remains a nutritious, satisfying option even on the go.
Conclusion
We’ve loved exploring this leeks and spinach recipe with you, showing how fresh ingredients create meals that are both simple and satisfying. It’s a go-to option for busy days, packing in nutrients while delivering bold flavors.
Let’s make this dish a staple in our kitchens—tweak it to suit your tastes and enjoy the ease it brings to everyday cooking. We’re confident you’ll savor every bite and come back for more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the leeks and spinach recipe about?
This recipe features a simple, vibrant dish with leeks and spinach as the stars, drawing from European traditions. It’s mildly sweet and earthy, perfect for quick weeknight meals, and is nutritious and easy for all skill levels. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers a satisfying, flavorful experience.
What ingredients are needed for the recipe?
You’ll need two medium leeks, four cups of fresh baby spinach, one small yellow onion, minced garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients to enhance flavors. These components create a balanced, nutritious dish that’s simple to prepare.
What tools are required to make this recipe?
Essential tools include a sturdy cutting board, chef’s knife for slicing, large skillet or frying pan for cooking, wooden spoon or spatula for stirring, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, and a colander for washing. A garlic press is optional. These help streamline the process for safe, efficient prep.
How do I prepare and cook the leeks and spinach recipe?
Start by cleaning and slicing leeks, dicing the onion, mincing garlic, and washing spinach. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil, add leeks to caramelize, then stir in spinach until wilted. Season with lemon juice, salt, and pepper. The whole process takes under 30 minutes for a fresh, aromatic dish.
Is this recipe healthy and nutritious?
Yes, it’s packed with nutrients from leeks and spinach, offering vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The mild sweetness of leeks pairs with spinach’s earthy flavor, making it a wholesome choice. Using fresh ingredients and olive oil keeps it light and beneficial for everyday meals.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prep ingredients like cleaning leeks, slicing them, dicing onions, mincing garlic, and washing spinach up to 24 hours in advance; store in the fridge. Cook the dish ahead and reheat gently to preserve flavors. For longer storage, freeze portions and thaw before reheating.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, use a skillet on low heat with a splash of water or microwave until warm, stirring to maintain texture and flavor. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty.