Looking to elevate your dinner table with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and nutrition? Look no further than our delightful "Spinach with Raisins and Pine Kernels"! This Mediterranean-inspired recipe combines the earthiness of fresh spinach with the sweet pop of raisins and the crunch of toasted pine nuts, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave your guests asking for seconds. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up a vibrant side dish that not only looks stunning but also packs a nutritional punch. Ready to impress? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup pine kernels
- 1 pound fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing the spinach thoroughly, ensuring it is clean and free from any dirt or debris. Pat the spinach dry with paper towels.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm up and become shimmering but not smoking.
- Add pine kernels to the heated olive oil and toast them gently, stirring constantly. Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes until they turn golden brown and release a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn them.
- Introduce the raisins to the pan and sauté them briefly with the pine kernels, allowing them to slightly plump up and absorb the olive oil's flavor.
- Add the chopped spinach to the pan in batches, stirring continuously. The spinach will begin to wilt and reduce in volume quickly.
- Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, ensuring even distribution of seasoning.
- Continue cooking the spinach for 3-4 minutes until it is completely wilted but still maintains a vibrant green color and slight texture.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish, ensuring the pine kernels and raisins are evenly distributed throughout the spinach.
- Serve immediately while warm as a side dish or light vegetarian option.
Tips
- Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, organic spinach for the best flavor and nutrition. The fresher the spinach, the brighter and more vibrant your dish will be.
- Watch the Pine Nuts: Pine nuts can burn quickly, so keep a close eye on them while toasting. Stir constantly and remove them from the heat as soon as they turn golden brown.
- Raisin Soak: For an extra burst of sweetness, consider soaking the raisins in warm water for a few minutes before adding them to the pan. This will plump them up and enhance their flavor.
- Seasoning: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! Taste as you go to ensure your spinach is well-seasoned. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the flavors.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as part of a Mediterranean-inspired spread. Serve it warm for the best experience!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg