I have loved Spanish food since I was a kid, but I’ve come to appreciate the art of a Spanish meal since meeting my half-Spanish husband. So much more than the delicious food itself, I’ve learned that a Spanish meal is a leisurely affair filled with good conversation. The word sobremesa, which translates to “over the table”, is the term used for the long and relaxing period at the end of the meal: you’ve finished your food, but you’re not quite ready for the enjoyable conversation to finish. Since our new apartment actually has a big enough kitchen for a table (a rarity in San Francisco), my husband and I have been enjoying sobremesa together each evening. Where we once ate on the couch with the TV on, we now get to enjoy more quality time together. It’s been wonderful and I hope we can keep it up.
While most people think of bacon-wrapped dates and ham, there are some really fantastic Spanish vegetarian recipes out there. In the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing some of my favorites with you. These are my standbys at restaurants, but they’re simple enough to make at home and don’t require any obscure ingredients. The first recipe I’m featuring is Catalan-style spinach, which is sauteed spinach with pine nuts and raisins. Ever since I tried it, it’s been my favorite way to eat spinach.
You wouldn’t think a recipe with such a short list of ingredients could be so flavorful, but the way everything comes together is divine. The base of the recipe is bit of minced garlic and a shallot, which the spinach soaks up beautifully. A splash of sherry vinegar adds a slightly tart and sweet flavor, while plump raisins and toasted pine nuts offer up a chewy and crunchy element. For being so healthy, this really feels like a treat. And the best part? It’s ready in under 10 minutes.
So the next time you’re looking for an easy side dish, I urge you to give this a try. I don’t think it will disappoint!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 shallot, minced
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- ¼ cup raisins
- 2 6 oz. bags of fresh spinach
- ½ tablespoon sherry vinegar
- 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
- ½ teaspoon salt
- In a large pan, sautee the shallot in the olive oil over medium-low heat for about 2-3 minutes, or until the shallot becomes translucent.
- Add the garlic and raisins and cook for about one minute.
- Add the spinach, sherry vinegar, pine nuts and salt, stirring often so the spinach cooks evenly. As soon as the spinach has wilted, remove from eat. Add additional salt to taste and serve immediately.
Note: I find sherry vinegar quite easily these days, but if you can’t find it, try a splash of sherry wine or apple cider vinegar instead.
I just love simple, warm spinach salads, Julia. I feel like it’s such a healthy addition to any meal. I could eat this whole thing in one sitting! Pine nuts and raisins sound like a perfect addition – a little bit of sweet and some crunch. Glad you and your husband are enjoying sobremesa in your new apartment!
Thanks, Geraldine! I could definitely eat this in one setting too – and it’s such a great way to eat a ton of spinach without really realizing it! I love how it collapses down so much right away. I hope you enjoy the dish!
Looks great, and I think I spy a gas stove? Not sure if you had one in your old place, but either way I am jealous!
Thanks Adam! It is indeed a gas stove 🙂 We didn’t have one at our old place, so it’s a very exciting improvement in my mind!
The whole idea of sobremesa sounds very appealing. So does this spinach recipe. May you and that half-Spanish guy enjoy many more moments (and dishes) just like this.
Appealing indeed! I’m glad we had some nice sobremesa this past week together!
Lingering meals are so relaxing and fun… how fabulous you have a dining area to enjoy. Dinner time is such a perfect time to connect with friends and family. I absolutely love the combination of flavors and textures in this recipe, Julia. Often simplicity is the perfect way to showcase the season’s freshest veggies. The splash of sherry is a mouthwatering addition! Thank you for this, Julia! Looking forward to more Spanish food inspiration!
Thank you, Traci! And yes, just a splash of sherry really makes this special. I love how Spanish food comes together so beautifully with just the simplest of ingredients!
A dish as healthy and as delicious as this can be consumed on a daily basis! Yummy!
Thank you, Katalina! I could eat this every day too 🙂
So I’ve been whispering the word sobremesa to myself for the past 24 hours…as soon as I read it, I fell in love with it (I have no idea if I’m pronouncing it correctly but it sounds great in my head ;-). Love what it represents — those unhurried moments together where we allow ourselves to just “be” a little while longer… so important to the quality of our lives and peace of mind. I really enjoyed reading this post Julia and I’m excited for more because this weekend I’m starting by making your lovely Catalan-style spinach! As I mentioned on your facebook page, it’s precisely these simple full-flavored recipes that inspire me most. You don’t have to complicate whole foods to make them worthy, you just have to enjoy them. Can’t wait 🙂
Kelly, I was so excited when I saw your instagram about this dish! I’m thrilled you enjoyed it. Isn’t it amazing how something with so few ingredients can taste so good? I love when that happens. And I hope you get to enjoy some sobremesa (and I’m sure your pronunciation is perfect)…it must be hard to find time when you have kids, but I’m sure it’s even more special when it does happen!
Oh yes, please! Love that you’re bringing the concept of sobremesa to light. What a beautiful ritual to have. And I really appreciate the mix of flavors here, especially with the pine nuts, raisins and sherry. This reminds me of some North African and Middle Eastern dishes. 🙂
Thanks, Katie! And you’re totally right about the North African and Middle Eastern influences. In fact, one of my favorite dishes is Moroccan tagine, which usually has raisins and pine nuts too. It makes sense when you look at the map and realize how close Spain is to North Africa!
I love the use of pine nuts here. I will definitely be trying this recipe out! Thanks!!
Thank you, Kait! Yes, pine nuts are one of my favorite additions to meals – and they taste so good with the raisins in this. Hope you enjoy it!
Julia, what a delicious salad for a good conversation meal!
I love “sobremesa”, I hope Tomas got to like it too!
Thank you, Silvia! We will get to enjoy sobremesa together in just a few weeks 🙂
I haven’t yet had time to try this recipe, Julia, but rest assured that this lifelong spinach-lover will have it on her table within the week! I am just sorry that we didn’t force you to cook it for us while we were visiting because sobremesa with you and your hubby would have been the icing on the cake! Simple, tasty, nutritious…what’s not to love? And I’ve never made a Catalan dish before, so it will be extra-special.
I have a feeling you will really love this! I can’t believe I didn’t cook for you a single time…but there were just too many good restaurants to try out here. I will make this for you in October!