Spinach Saut with Red Bell Pepper Preserved Lemons

Elevate your vegetable side dish game with this vibrant Spinach Sauté with Red Bell Pepper and Preserved Lemons. Bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors, this simple yet sophisticated recipe combines tender wilted spinach, crisp red bell pepper, and the zesty punch of preserved lemons for an unforgettable taste experience. Aromatic garlic, warm cumin, and a touch of optional red chili flakes add depth and spice, making this dish as bold as it is nutritious. Ready in just 22 minutes, it's perfect as a healthy side or served over fluffy quinoa or rice for a light main course. Packed with antioxidants and low in calories, this colorful sauté is a must-try for anyone seeking quick, wholesome, and flavor-forward recipes.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:12 mins

Total Time:22 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 10 cups fresh spinach
• 1 large red bell pepper
• 1 small preserved lemon
• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoons ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons red chili flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Wash the spinach thoroughly and pat it dry. Set aside.

Step 2

Slice the red bell pepper into thin strips. Remove any seeds and white membranes.

Step 3

Finely chop the preserved lemon, discarding the seeds. If you prefer a milder flavor, rinse the lemon under cold water before chopping.

Step 4

Thinly slice the garlic cloves.

Step 5

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.

Step 6

Add the garlic slices to the hot oil and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn them.

Step 7

Stir in the red bell pepper strips and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.

Step 8

Add the ground cumin, black pepper, and optional red chili flakes to the pan. Stir well to coat the bell peppers and garlic with the spices.

Step 9

Gradually add the spinach to the pan, a handful at a time, allowing it to wilt before adding more. Continue stirring until all of the spinach has wilted, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 10

Reduce the heat to low and add the chopped preserved lemon. Stir well to combine and let the flavors meld for an additional minute.

Step 11

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, as the preserved lemons may already add a salty element.

Step 12

Remove from heat and serve immediately as a side dish or over rice or quinoa for a light and healthy main course.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(520.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	406.5

Total Fat 29.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2027.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 27.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.6g	0%
Total Sugars 5.4g
Protein 9.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 343.4mg	0%
Iron 11.7mg	0%
Potassium 420.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 63.8%

Protein: 9.5%

Carbs: 26.7%