Spaghettini me Spanaki kai Elies is a wholesome, delicious dish that combines the rich flavors of spinach and olives, making it a perfect choice for a light yet satisfying meal!
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once boiling, add 200 grams of spaghettini and cook according to the package instructions, usually for about 8-10 minutes or until al dente.
While the pasta cooks, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add 2 minced cloves of garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add 300 grams of spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, around 2-3 minutes.
Stir in 100 grams of pitted black olives and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, mixing well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Once the spaghettini is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Add the drained spaghettini to the skillet and toss to combine, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to help the sauce adhere.
Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon over the dish and toss everything together. Cook for an additional minute to heat through.
Serve hot, garnished with additional olives or a sprinkle of pepper if desired.
2
This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals from the spinach and healthy fats from the olives, making it beneficial for heart health.