Catalan-Style Spinach with Apples and Raisins
This vibrant Catalan-style spinach dish combines fresh baby spinach with the sweetness of apples, the nuttiness of pine nuts, and the chewiness of raisins, creating a delightful side that beautifully reflects the culinary influences of the Moorish empire in Spain. Perfectly sautéed to retain the spinach's lush texture, this dish is quick to prepare and is a wonderful accompaniment to grilled meats or as part of a tapas spread. Enjoy this flavorful and visually appealing recipe, inspired by the beloved chef Jose Andres, that is sure to bring a taste of Spain to your table!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Spanish extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
Gravenstein apple
1 (peeled, cored, and cut into 1/4 inch cubes)
Pine nuts
1/4 cup (none)
Seedless dark raisins
1/4 cup (none)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (plus more to taste)
Fresh baby spinach
10 ounces (washed and patted dry)
Instructions
1
Prepare the apple by peeling, coring, and dicing it into 1/4-inch cubes. Set aside.
2
Heat the Spanish extra virgin olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat until it shimmers and is hot.
3
Add the apple cubes to the pan and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until they are lightly browned, stirring occasionally.
4
Carefully add the pine nuts to the pan, stirring constantly, and cook for 20-30 seconds until they are lightly browned. Watch them closely to prevent burning.
5
Incorporate the dark raisins and 1/2 teaspoon of salt into the mixture, stirring well to combine.
6
Quickly add the washed and dried baby spinach to the pan. Sauté very briefly for 20-30 seconds, just until the spinach starts to wilt but is still vibrant and bright green.
7
Remove the pan from the heat. The residual heat will continue to wilt the spinach.
8
Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt if needed. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Catalan-Style Spinach with Apples and Raisins?
It is a vibrant Spanish side dish that combines fresh baby spinach with sautéed apples, pine nuts, and raisins, reflecting the historical Moorish culinary influences in Spain.
Who is the inspiration for this specific spinach recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the beloved chef Jose Andres.
What type of apple is recommended for this dish?
The recipe calls for one Gravenstein apple, though other crisp varieties can be used as a substitute.
How should the apple be prepared before cooking?
The apple should be peeled, cored, and diced into small 1/4-inch cubes.
What kind of oil is best for this recipe?
Spanish extra virgin olive oil is recommended to maintain the authentic Mediterranean flavor profile.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegetarian as it consists entirely of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and oil.
How long should I sauté the pine nuts?
Pine nuts should be cooked for only 20-30 seconds until lightly browned, as they burn very easily.
How long does the spinach need to cook?
The baby spinach should be sautéed very briefly for about 20-30 seconds, just until it starts to wilt.
Why is the spinach cooked for such a short time?
Brief cooking ensures the spinach stays vibrant and bright green while retaining a lush texture.
Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?
Fresh baby spinach is highly recommended to achieve the specific texture and vibrant color intended for this Catalan-style dish.
What kind of raisins are used in this dish?
The recipe specifies 1/4 cup of seedless dark raisins.
Is this recipe considered a tapas dish?
Yes, it is often served as part of a traditional Spanish tapas spread.
What heat level should I use for sautéing?
A medium-high heat setting is used to ensure the oil shimmers and the ingredients sauté quickly.
How should I prepare the spinach before it goes into the pan?
The spinach should be thoroughly washed and patted completely dry.
What is the key flavor profile of this dish?
It features a balance of sweetness from apples and raisins, nuttiness from pine nuts, and savory notes from olive oil and salt.
Can I substitute pine nuts with other nuts?
While pine nuts are traditional, you could use slivered almonds or chopped walnuts if necessary, though the flavor profile will change.
What should I do after removing the pan from the heat?
Taste and adjust the salt if needed, then serve immediately to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
Does the residual heat affect the spinach?
Yes, the residual heat from the pan will continue to wilt the spinach even after it is removed from the burner.
What can I serve with Catalan-Style Spinach?
It is a wonderful accompaniment to grilled meats or as a side dish in a larger Mediterranean meal.
How much salt is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt, plus more to taste at the end.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, the actual cooking process takes less than 5 minutes once the ingredients are prepped.
Is the dish gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
How do I know when the oil is ready?
The olive oil is ready when it is hot and begins to shimmer in the pan.
Can I use golden raisins instead of dark raisins?
Yes, golden raisins (sultanas) are a common substitute in Catalan cooking and will work well.
Why is this dish associated with Moorish influence?
The combination of fruits (raisins/apples) and nuts (pine nuts) with vegetables is a hallmark of Moorish culinary traditions in Spain.
Should the spinach be chopped?
No, the recipe uses whole fresh baby spinach leaves.
Can this be made in advance?
It is best served immediately because the spinach can become soggy and lose its bright color if it sits too long.
How much baby spinach is needed?
The recipe requires 10 ounces of fresh baby spinach.
Is this dish considered healthy?
Yes, it is a healthy side dish rich in iron from spinach and healthy fats from olive oil and pine nuts.