Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Flavor: Experience the genuine taste of Southern Spain with this classic combination of ingredients.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vitamins and minerals from fresh spinach and potatoes.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it warm, at room temperature, or even chilled, making it suitable for various occasions.
- Simple Ingredients: Utilizes common pantry staples and fresh produce, making it both accessible and budget-friendly.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 12 baby red potatoes
- 1 onion, roughly chopped
- 8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1¼ teaspoons sweet smoked Spanish paprika
- ¾ teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 tomatoes, finely grated
- 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- Handful of fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Wash and pat dry the baby red potatoes. Cut them in half to create bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- Heat a large frying pan over medium heat and add the extra virgin olive oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sliced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add Spices:
- Incorporate the sweet smoked Spanish paprika and ground cumin into the pan. Quickly stir to combine, ensuring the spices don’t burn.
- Add Tomatoes:
- Add the grated tomatoes to the pan. Mix well and let it simmer for about 3 minutes until the mixture slightly thickens.
- Cook Potatoes:
- Add the halved potatoes to the pan. Season generously with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix to ensure the potatoes are well coated with the tomato mixture.
- Pour in enough cold water to just barely cover the potatoes, approximately 2 cups (475 ml).
- Increase the heat to high to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low-medium, cover the pan with a lid, and let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fully cooked and tender.
- Add Spinach:
- Once the potatoes are tender, add the chopped fresh spinach to the pan.
- Place the lid back on and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach has wilted.
- Final Touches:
- Gently stir to combine the spinach with the potatoes. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Transfer the dish to a serving platter and garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve:
- Enjoy the dish warm, at room temperature, or even chilled, depending on your preference.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe serves 4 as a side dish or 2 as a main course.
- Preparation Time: Approximately 10 minutes.
- Cooking Time: Around 35 minutes.
- Total Time: About 45 minutes.
Variations
- Add Protein: Incorporate chickpeas or white beans for added protein and a heartier dish.
- Spice Level: For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper when sautéing the onions and garlic.
- Herb Infusion: Introduce other herbs like thyme or rosemary during cooking for an added layer of flavor.
- Leafy Greens: Substitute spinach with other leafy greens such as kale or Swiss chard if preferred.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if the mixture appears too dry.
- Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze this dish, as the texture of the potatoes and spinach may become mushy upon thawing.
Spanish Spinach and Potatoes
Espinacas con Patatas is a traditional Spanish dish from Andalusia, featuring tender potatoes and wilted spinach simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce with garlic, onions, and warm spices. Perfect as a tapa, side dish, or light meal, this easy and nutritious recipe is packed with authentic Spanish flavors!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (as a side) or 2 servings (as a main)
- Category: Side Dish, Vegetarian
- Method: Stovetop, Simmering
- Cuisine: Spanish, Andalusian
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 12 baby red potatoes, halved
- 1 onion, roughly chopped
- 8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1¼ tsp sweet smoked Spanish paprika
- ¾ tsp ground cumin
- 2 tomatoes, finely grated
- 5 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Sea salt & black pepper, to taste
- Handful of fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Potatoes:
- Wash, pat dry, and halve the baby potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat a large frying pan over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Add onions and garlic, sauté for 3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
3. Add Spices & Tomatoes:
- Stir in paprika and cumin, mixing quickly to avoid burning.
- Add grated tomatoes, simmer for 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Cook the Potatoes:
- Add potatoes, seasoning with salt and black pepper.
- Pour in cold water (about 2 cups / 475 ml) to barely cover the potatoes.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low-medium, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until tender.
5. Add the Spinach:
- Stir in chopped spinach, cover, and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
6. Final Touches & Serving:
- Adjust seasoning if needed and gently stir.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
Notes
- Add Protein: Stir in chickpeas or white beans for a heartier dish.
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or chopped chili while sautéing.
- Other Greens: Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better the next day!