Baby Spinach With Almonds And Golden Raisins Food

SPINACH, WALNUT AND GOLDEN RAISIN PESTO PASTA WITH ITALIAN CHICKEN SAUSAGE

Steps:

• Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the sausages, covered with a medium heatproof bowl, until nice and charred and no longer pink on the inside, flipping once, 6 to 8 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board, let cool slightly, then slice on the bias. Set aside.
• Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Poach the garlic cloves in the boiling water for 5 minutes, then transfer them with a slotted spoon to a food processor. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook to al dente according to the package directions.
• Meanwhile, add the walnuts to the food processor with the garlic and pulse until chopped, about 8 times. Add the spinach, basil, cheese, olive oil, raisins, salt, pepper and lemon zest and juice. Pulse about 10 times, until combined but still rustically chopped. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
• Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Using a spider, add the pasta to the skillet. Add the spinach pesto and toss to combine. Heat until warmed through. Season to taste if necessary and serve immediately topped with grilled sausage slices.

SAUTEED BABY SPINACH WITH ALMONDS AND GOLDEN RAISINS

Steps:

• Place spinach and water in a large microwave safe bowl and cover completely with a plate. This may require more than one batch. Microwave for 3 minutes, then remove bowl and keep covered for 1 minute. Remove place and transfer spinach to colander in sink. Press spinach against colander to remove water, then coarsely chop spinach, return to colander, and press again to remove additional water. Heat 2 tbsp. oil, garlic, pepper flakes, and raisins in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook 3-6 minutes until the garlic is light brown. Add spinach to the skillet with 1/4 tsp. salt, and stir with tongs until uniformly wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in vinegar and almonds. Drizzle with 2 tsp. olive oil and season with salt to taste.