Asian Inspired Spinach with Fried Garlic

Oh spinach you are so dirty, yet so good

School is back and I actually have a plan. So things are looking good.

This dish is super fabulous because it is spicy, garlicy, and spinachy. Such a good combination. Even since I decided on a whim to try the cooked spinach at a breakfast restaurant as a side instead of the regular potatoes, I fell in love. What really makes cooked spinach great in my opinion is a splash, just a hint, of lemon juice. Be warned though; using lemon juice in your spinach will cause it to brown. So if you want to have leftovers I suggest only adding lemon juice to what you're going to eat for dinner.

When using fresh spinach you must get all of the dirt/sand off of the leaves. I accomplish this by placing my spinach in a salad spinner and filling the entire thing with water. Give the spinach a good few shakes and all the soil will fall to the bottom of the container. You may have to repeat if needed.

Asian Inspired Spinach with Fried Garlic
Makes:  Approximately two as a side dish, but you'll want it all for yourself!
Ingredients:

• 1 bunch fresh spinach
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• 4-5 large garlic cloves, peeled and sliced thin
• 1 shallot, sliced thin
• 1 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes (or your spiciness comfort level)
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
• fresh lemon juice

  Method:

1. Wash spinach very well or suffer from sand grit in your teeth. Drain and chop the spinach roughly.
2. Add the oils to a large pan and let them heat up. Add the garlic, onion, and crushed red chili flakes.
3. Fry until the onions begin to caramelize and the garlic turns golden.
4. Add the spinach and a splash of soy sauce. Stir until everything combines.
5. Cook over low heat uncovered until the spinach is vibrant green and wilted.
6. Sprinkle with fresh lemon juice