Spanaki
Description
A delicious appetizer for any gathering. There’s no need to blanch the spinach by dipping it in hot water—it will cook down beautifully in the pan with onions, soaking up their aroma. For more flavor, use a variety of spices and seasonings, which Georgian cuisine is so rich in. It can be served warm or chilled.
Instructions
- 1
Step 1
Prepare the listed ingredients. Spinach can be used either fresh or frozen.
- 2
Step 2
Rinse and peel the onion. Cut half of the vegetable into small cubes or half-rings. Sauté the chopped onion in hot vegetable oil for about 2–3 minutes.
- 3
Step 3
Place the washed spinach, cut into ribbons, with the stems trimmed from the leaves. Braise together with the onion for about 3–5 minutes. The spinach mixture will lose almost half its weight—or even more!
- 4
Step 4
Add ground coriander to the bowl if you are not using fresh cilantro. Add sweet paprika, chopped walnut kernels, and minced peeled garlic. If you like spicy flavors, add a pinch of hot red pepper.
- 5
Step 5
Rinse and finely chop the parsley or cilantro, add to the pot, and turn off the heat. Mix everything gently.
- 6
Step 6
Place the ispanakhi on a plate and serve hot or cooled. The dish is equally delicious and juicy!