Spinach With Almonds and Red Pepper Flakes

“Spinach is so lean and clean. I am always adding cheese or something else rich to round it out. While I like spinach salads, I really love cooked spinach with something crunchy and unexpected. The little bit of spice from the red pepper with a hint of garlic and the richness of the almonds and Parmesan makes this a great side dish with a quick cooking time. A healthy and tasty weeknight side dish. I have served a grilled chicken breast on top for a fast meal.” –Alex Guarnaschelli

• Ready In: 9 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1  tablespoon  extra-virgin olive oil
• 1  garlic clove, lightly smashed but still intact
• 1⁄2 cup  Fisher® Sliced Almonds
• 16  ounces fresh spinach, stemmed and thoroughly washed
• 1⁄4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1⁄8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1  tablespoon lemon juice, depending on taste
• 1⁄4 cup  finely grated parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. “Spear” the garlic clove on the tines of a fork. When the oil is hot and begins to smoke lightly, add the almonds and toast in the oil, stirring with the fork, for 30 seconds or until lightly browned. By stirring the nuts with the garlic clove on the end of the fork, it imparts a garlic flavor without overwhelming the almonds.
2. Add as much spinach as can comfortably fit in the pan along with the salt and red pepper flakes. Add more spinach leaves as the spinach in the pan cooks and compresses; adding spinach in handfuls and stirring until all of the spinach is cooked. Sprinkle with lemon juice and Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.