Spinach with raisins and pine nuts

This method of cooking spinach comes from Catalonia and is known as “epinacas a la Catalonia” in the rest of Spain.  It can be served as a side dish or as a starter.

Preparation Time: 10 Mins

Cooking Time: 10 Mins

Total Time: 35 Mins

Ingredients

For 4 servings…

2 tbs               Raisins      

750 gms          Spinach  - stalks removed       

2 tbs               Pine nuts   

4 tbs               Olive oil    

                     Pepper      

                     Salt          

Method

Soak the raisins in water for 20 minutes and then drain.  Wash the spinach leaves thoroughly and drain well.  Put them, with only the water that clings to them, in a large pan.

Put the pan over a high heat, covered, and then lower the heat as soon as the water begins to boil.  The leaves will cook in the steam and wilt into a soft mass in just 2 to 3 minutes.  Drain well.

In a large frying pan, sauté the pine nuts very briefly in the oil over a low heat, shaking the pan constantly, until they just begin to colour.  Add the raisins drained and spinach and mix well.  Season with salt and pepper and cook for 5 minutes - stirring occasionally.