Persian Inspired Salad With Sweet Potato And Spinach Recipes

SPINACH, SWEET POTATO & LENTIL DHAL

Steps:

• Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a wide-based pan with a tight-fitting lid.
• Add 1 finely chopped red onion and cook over a low heat for 10 mins, stirring occasionally, until softened.
• Add 1 crushed garlic clove, a finely chopped thumb-sized piece of ginger and 1 finely chopped red chilli, cook for 1 min, then add 1½ tsp ground turmeric and 1½ tsp ground cumin and cook for 1 min more.
• Turn up the heat to medium, add 2 sweet potatoes, cut into even chunks, and stir everything together so the potato is coated in the spice mixture.
• Tip in 250g red split lentils, 600ml vegetable stock and some seasoning.
• Bring the liquid to the boil, then reduce the heat, cover and cook for 20 mins until the lentils are tender and the potato is just holding its shape.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning, then gently stir in the 80g spinach. Once wilted, top with the 4 diagonally sliced spring onions and ½ small pack torn basil leaves to serve.
• Alternatively, allow to cool completely, then divide between airtight containers and store in the fridge for a healthy lunchbox.

SIMPLE PARISIAN-STYLE POTATO SALAD

Steps:

• Place the potatoes in a large saucepan and cover by 1 inch with water. Season with salt. Add bay leaf and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until potatoes can be easily pierced with a knife, 12 to 15 minutes. Do not overcook.
• Meanwhile, whisk olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl together until emulsified.
• Drain cooked potatoes in a colander and cool until just warm enough to handle. Cut the potatoes into 1/2-inch slices and transfer to a large bowl.
• Drizzle vinaigrette over potatoes, gently tossing to coat. Add shallots and parsley and toss lightly to combine.
• Set the potato salad aside for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm or at room temperature.

PERSIAN SPINACH, POTATOES AND PEAS

Steps:

• Scrub potatoes, and put in a pot with water to cover. Cover pot, and cook until fork-tender, about 20 minutes, depending on size.
• Chop whole onion. Saute onion in a nonstick pan in very hot oil over medium-high heat, until it begins to soften and brown.
• Mince garlic, and add to onion as it cooks.
• Wash spinach; remove tough stems, and cook spinach in covered pot in the water clinging to it, until it wilts, 4 or 5 minutes, stirring once or twice.
• Stir peas into onion mixture and cook 2 or 3 minutes.
• When spinach is cooked, drain it, thoroughly pressing the water out. Cut up and add to cooked onion, along with nutmeg and yogurt.
• When potatoes are cooked, drain and cut into bite-size pieces and stir into spinach mixture. Season with salt and pepper, and serve.

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.