Borani Esfanej Recipes

BORANI-YEH ESFENAJ (SPINACH YOGURT DIP)

Steps:

• In a large (12-inch) pan, heat the oil over medium-high. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low, add the garlic, sprinkle with a little salt, stir and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the turmeric, stir and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
• Add about half the spinach and increase the heat to medium. Using tongs, quickly and continuously toss the spinach with the onion mixture until slightly wilted and reduced in volume. Add the rest of the spinach, ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Toss and cook until the spinach is wilted and any liquid has evaporated, 3 to 5 minutes. Increase the heat slightly if the spinach releases too much water. Transfer the spinach mixture to a bowl and cool to room temperature.
• To the cooled spinach, add the Greek yogurt, regular plain yogurt, lemon zest and lemon juice. Stir well to combine, and add salt to taste. If the mixture is too thick, thin out with more regular yogurt, 1 tablespoon at a time. Taste and add more salt and lemon juice as needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 24 hours. Stir to combine, then drizzle with olive oil and serve.

BORANI ESFANEJ

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil and gently cook the onion and garlic in a covered pan over low heat until transparent.
• Add the chopped spinach leaves or the frozen spinach,and stir well. Cook for approximately 5 minutes.Should the spinach become too dry, you may wish to add a further dessertspoon of oil.
• Stir in the raisins and cook for another minute or two.
• Turn the spinach mixture into a mixing bowl and allow to cool slightly.
• Stir in the chopped walnuts.
• Add the Greek yoghurt and mix well.
• Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Spoon into a serving dish, sprinkle with the mint and serve chilled. Enjoy!