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

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Espinacas a la Catalana (Spinach with Pine Nuts and Raisins) is a flavorful Spanish dish that combines earthy spinach, sweet raisins, crunchy pine nuts, and aromatic garlic. Finished with a fresh lemon zest, this vibrant side dish is easy to make and versatile.

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 frozen spinach, thawed (see note for fresh spinach)

¼–1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

  1. Toast the pine nuts: Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pine nuts and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Set aside.
  2. Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. 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 to soften them and allow them to absorb 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, starting with ¼ teaspoon. Stir in the lemon zest for a fresh citrusy finish.
  6. Serve: Once everything is well combined and heated, remove from heat. Top with the toasted pine nuts and stir gently. Serve immediately as a side dish or light main course.

Notes

If using fresh spinach instead of frozen, use 2 lbs and cook it down in the skillet until it wilts and releases moisture before adding the raisins.

If you’d like a sweeter dish, increase the amount of raisins or add a splash of honey or agave syrup while cooking the spinach.

This dish is naturally gluten-free.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://familydinnercooking.com/spinach-espinacas-a-la-catalana-spinach-with-pine-nuts-and-raisins/