Spinaci (Spinach) alla Padella (Frying Pan)

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 4 (10-ounce) bags spinach, washed, big stems removed, or 12 cups raw, roughly torn mustard greens (about 2 pounds)
• About 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons thinly sliced garlic
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Lemon wedges

Directions

Bring 1 gallon of water to boil in a large pot with 2 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt. Add the spinach, pushing it down into the water with a skimmer, and immediately remove it to a bowl of ice water.

Drain the spinach once cooled (don't leave it in for too long) and squeeze out the water. Divide spinach into 4 sections and compress each into a ball (each ball will be about

1 cup and they can be wrapped in plastic and refrigerated for up to a day).

Cut each ball in half and then in half again to chop up the spinach.

Place 1/4 cup of the oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the garlic to the pan and shake the pan often, for about 1 minute or until the garlic is lightly browned. Add the spinach and saute for 2 to 3 minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste. It will seem dry. Remove the spinach to a bowl, sprinkle with a little olive oil and garnish with lemon wedges.

Variations:

Try adding some chopped anchovy with the garlic.

For creamed spinach: substitute butter for half of the oil and add 1 cup of heavy whipping cream as you cook the spinach.