Persian Spinach Salad Recipes

SIMPLE SHIRAZI SALAD RECIPE

Steps:

• Place diced tomatoes for a few minutes in a colander to release excess liquid. (I don't remove the seeds, so this step helps.)
• In a large bowl, place the diced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and bell peppers.
• To flavor, add fresh herbs, dried mint, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Add sumac (I started with 1 tsp). Finally, add lime juice, and a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Toss to combine.
• If you have the time, cover and chill this salad in the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour for best taste.

PERSIAN SPINACH SALAD

Steps:

• Discard the spinach stems. Wash and drain the leaves, then chop coarsely.
• Melt the butter in a large saute pan. Add the onion and a generous pinch of cinnamon, if using, and cook over medium heat until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant. Add the spinach and cook until it wilts, stirring often. Drain well and let cool.
• In a bowl, whisk together the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice and mint or dill. Season with salt and pepper. Toss with the spinach and taste for seasoning. Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle with walnuts and more herbs. Serve at room temperature with pita bread.

PERSIAN INSPIRED SALAD WITH SWEET POTATO AND SPINACH

Steps:

• Microwave sweet potato until soft. Run cold water over potato, while peeling skin off. Set aside.
• In a skillet, brown the onions and garlic in butter or ghee. Then add sweet potato, garbanzo beans, rose water, hot pepper flakes, turmeric, saffron and salt.
• Let mixture cool then add dill, spearmint, parsley, garlic stems and spinach.
• Dress with some lemon juice and olive oil.
• Garnish with a dollop of yogurt and pine nuts.