Spinach – Espinacas a la Catalana (Spinach with Pine Nuts and Raisins)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish strikes the perfect balance between savory, sweet, and crunchy. The sautéed spinach is rich and earthy, while the raisins provide a sweet contrast, and the pine nuts add a delightful crunch. The garlic brings an aromatic depth to the dish, and the fresh lemon zest adds a citrusy brightness that ties everything together. Quick and easy to prepare, this dish brings a unique and exciting flavor profile to any meal. It’s also versatile and can be served as a side dish, a light vegetarian main, or even a tapas-style appetizer.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
• ⅓ cup pine nuts
• 4 garlic cloves, grated or crushed
• 1 cup raisins
• 2 lbs of frozen spinach, thawed (See Note 1 for fresh spinach)
• ¼-1/2 teaspoon salt (See Note 3)
• Zest of 1 lemon

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Toast the pine nuts:
   In a large skillet, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the pine nuts and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Once toasted, remove the pine nuts from the skillet and set them aside.
2. Sauté the garlic:
   In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the grated or crushed garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and lightly golden.
3. Add the raisins:
   Stir in the raisins and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the raisins to soften and absorb some of the garlic flavor.
4. Cook the spinach:
   Add the thawed spinach to the skillet, breaking it up as you stir. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is heated through and fully combined with the garlic and raisins.
5. Season the dish:
   Add salt to taste (start with ¼ teaspoon and adjust to preference). Stir in the lemon zest for a fresh, citrusy finish.
6. Serve:
   Once everything is well combined and heated, remove the skillet from the heat. Top the spinach mixture with the toasted pine nuts and give it a final stir. Serve immediately as a side dish or light vegetarian main.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe serves about 4 people as a side dish.
• Prep Time: 10 minutes.
• Cook Time: 10 minutes.
• Total Time: 20 minutes.

Variations

• Fresh spinach: If using fresh spinach instead of frozen, you can substitute 2 lbs of fresh spinach for the thawed frozen spinach. Cook it down in the skillet until it wilts and releases its moisture before adding the raisins.
• Add a protein: For a heartier dish, you can add some cooked chickpeas or beans to make this a more filling meal.
• Spicy kick: If you enjoy a little heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic.
• Nut-free option: If you’re allergic to pine nuts, you can substitute them with chopped almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds for a similar crunch.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover spinach in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, or microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh spinach. You’ll need about 2 lbs of fresh spinach, which will cook down significantly. Make sure to sauté it until it wilts and releases its moisture before adding the raisins.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving.

Can I use other nuts instead of pine nuts?

Yes, you can substitute pine nuts with other nuts like almonds, cashews, or walnuts for a different flavor and texture.

How do I make this dish sweeter?

If you prefer a sweeter version, you can increase the amount of raisins or add a splash of honey or agave syrup to the spinach as it cooks.

Can I use dried cranberries instead of raisins?

Yes, dried cranberries would be a great alternative to raisins, providing a tart and slightly sweet contrast to the spinach.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those following a gluten-free diet.

Can I use other dried fruits besides raisins?

Absolutely! You can substitute raisins with dried apricots, figs, or even dried cherries to change up the flavor.

How do I know when the spinach is cooked?

Frozen spinach is already cooked, so you just need to heat it through. Fresh spinach will cook down within a few minutes, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

Can I freeze this dish?

While the dish can be frozen, the texture of the spinach may change when reheated. If you plan to freeze it, it’s best to do so before adding the pine nuts, which should be added after reheating.

Can I serve this dish as a main meal?

Yes, with the addition of grains like quinoa, couscous, or rice, or even some chickpeas or tofu, you can make this dish more filling and serve it as a main meal.

Conclusion

Spinach – Espinacas a la Catalana is a delightful, easy-to-make dish that combines earthy spinach with sweet raisins, crunchy pine nuts, and aromatic garlic, all topped with fresh lemon zest for an added zing. It’s a versatile, flavorful side that pairs well with many dishes, and its balance of savory and sweet will surely impress anyone at your table. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or just as a quick weeknight meal, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your repertoire!

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