We've tried a couple of the recipes out so far and everything has been really good. Since this is a "weeknight" cookbook the recipes are mostly simple and quick to prepare along with being very family friendly. Giada has an almost-four-year old so it is nice to see recipes that are child-tested too.
This is a very quick (15 minutes including prep), very simple spinach saute that really packs in the flavor. I am a huge fan spinach just sauteed with a bit of salt and lemon juice but this recipe really kicks it up a notch in a very easy way. The balsamic vinegar gives it bite and the basil really adds an unexpected flavor and freshness. We made this with a Roast Chicken and it was the perfect compliment. I hope you try it out sometime soon.
Wilted Spinach with Tomatoes and Basil, adapted from Giada De Laurentiis's Weeknights with Giada
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 large or 2 small shallots, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 pound fresh spinach leaves
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shallots and cook 2-3 minutes. Next add the garlic and cook about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Now add in the chopped tomatoes and saute them for 2 minutes. Add the spinach next, working in batches to wilt it and cook for about 5 minutes. Stir in the salt and pepper and then the vinegar and basil. Let it cook for just one minute longer before removing it to a serving bowl. Enjoy!
