Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, sauté about 1 pound of fresh spinach in a bit of oil until wilted, then drain before topping with the sauce.

Absolutely, tahini is low in carbs and high in healthy fats, making it a great keto ingredient.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Keto Tahini Spinach: Creamy Low-Carb Side Dish in 20 Minutes

Name: Tahini Spinach
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Keto
Ingredients: oz frozen chopped spinach; /2 cup water; tablespoon tahini; cloves garlic, minced; /4 teaspoon ground cumin; /4 teaspoon paprika; cayenne pepper to taste; /3 cup red wine vinegar; salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients

oz frozen chopped spinach
/2 cup water
tablespoon tahini
cloves garlic, minced
/4 teaspoon ground cumin
/4 teaspoon paprika
cayenne pepper to taste
/3 cup red wine vinegar
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1

I start by placing the frozen spinach and water in a saucepan over high heat. Once it reaches a boil, I lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer gently for about 4 to 6 minutes until the spinach is tender. While that’s cooking, I whisk together the tahini, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, cayenne, and red wine vinegar in a small bowl. I season the sauce with salt and pepper, tasting as I go to adjust the heat from the cayenne. When the spinach is done, I drain it thoroughly—this step is important to prevent the sauce from getting watery. Then I pile the warm spinach onto a serving plate and drizzle the tahini sauce right over the top. The sauce soaks into the spinach, giving it a creamy, tangy kick. Sometimes I finish with an extra sprinkle of paprika for color. It’s that simple, and it pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish.

Chef's Tip

I find that toasting the tahini in a dry pan for a minute before mixing the sauce deepens its nutty flavor. Just be careful not to burn it—low heat and constant stirring work best.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the spinach seems dry.

Variation Tips

For a touch of richness, stir a tablespoon of melted butter or ghee into the spinach before adding the sauce. You can also swap the red wine vinegar for fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Try adding toasted pine nuts on top for extra crunch.

Tahini Spinach