Wash and pat dry the spinach first. To use ordinary spinach, remove the tough stems. Cut the carrots thinly so that they cook evenly. If you want to add other veggies, such tomatoes or mushrooms, cook them according to the recipe.
Add the aromatics and sauté.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and onions (or shallots, if using) once heated through. Add the onions and garlic and sauté, turning periodically, until the onions are transparent and aromatic, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
Cook the carrots: Put the sliced carrots, onions, and garlic in a pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the carrots start to soften but have a small crispness, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Add the spinach: Add the spinach, carrots, onions, and garlic to the skillet gradually. Baby spinach wilts rapidly, so keep stirring to make sure the spinach wilts evenly throughout. For ordinary spinach, you may need to simmer it for a few more minutes until it is completely soft.
Add salt and pepper to the mixture after the spinach has wilted to enhance the taste. Crushed red pepper flakes may be used for a little spiciness if needed. To enliven the tastes, stir in lemon juice and balsamic vinegar. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
Add other veggies to personalize (optional): at this point, add the tomatoes or mushrooms to the skillet. Simmer until the tomatoes are well cooked through and the mushrooms start to release their juices. Make sure the canned tomatoes are well-drained before adding them.
When all the veggies are cooked to your satisfaction, turn off the heat and serve. If preferred, add more lemon juice or balsamic vinegar, or taste and adjust the flavor. Enjoy it hot as a tasty side dish or as a component of a bigger dinner.
In summary:
This colorful and nutritious meal of sautéed carrots and spinach is a flexible approach to increase your consumption of vegetables. Rich in minerals and inherently gluten-free, this delightful side dish complements almost every main dish well. A delicious and nutritious dynamic taste profile is created by combining savory onions and garlic with delicate spinach and slightly crisp carrots. This adaptable dish will soon become a go-to favorite, whether you opt to add tomatoes, mushrooms, or shallots, or you may stick to the essentials.