BABY SPINACH SALAD WITH DATES AND ALMONDS

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Baby Spinach Salad With Dates and Almonds image

Sumac, a tart, deep-red spice, is a key ingredient for this recipe from Yotam Ottolenghi, which was featured in a Times article about his cookbook with Sami Tamimi, "Jerusalem." Procuring the spice may be the most challenging thing about this refreshing, well-balanced salad. The pita and almonds are cooked for a few minutes on the stovetop, but that is the only heat required. As for the sumac, it can be found at Middle Eastern groceries, in a well-stocked spice aisle or, as always, online.

Provided by Julia Moskin

Categories     easy, salads and dressings

Time 30m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 tablespoon wine vinegar
1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
3 1/2 ounces dates (100 grams), preferably Medjool, pitted and quartered lengthwise
Salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (30 grams)
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 small pitas (about 3 1/2 ounces, or 100 grams), roughly torn into 1 1/2 -inch pieces
1/2 cup whole unsalted almonds (75 grams), coarsely chopped
2 teaspoons sumac
1/2 teaspoon chile flakes
5 to 6 ounces baby spinach leaves (150 grams)
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Steps:

  • Put vinegar, onion and dates in a small bowl. Add a pinch of salt and mix well with your hands. Leave to marinate for 20 minutes, then drain any residual vinegar and discard.
  • Meanwhile, heat butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium frying pan over medium heat. Add pita and cook for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring all the time, until pita is golden. Add almonds and continue cooking until pita is crunchy and browned and almonds are toasted and fragrant, about 2 minutes more. Remove from heat and mix in sumac, chile flakes and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Set aside to cool.
  • When ready to serve, toss spinach leaves with pita mix in a large mixing bowl. Add dates and red onion, remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, the lemon juice and another pinch of salt. Taste for seasoning and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 232, UnsaturatedFat 11 grams, Carbohydrate 23 grams, Fat 15 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 5 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 209 milligrams, Sugar 12 grams, TransFat 0 grams

Suja Uddin
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Overall, I thought this salad was just okay. It wasn't bad, but it didn't wow me either.


MUBEEN BRO
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I found the dressing to be a bit too sweet for my taste. I would recommend using less honey or maple syrup.


Charley Butcher
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This salad is a bit pricey to make, but it's worth it for a special occasion.


Sajidalikhansiyal 123
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I love that this salad is so versatile. I can add or remove ingredients depending on what I have on hand.


L Marks
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This salad is a great way to get your daily dose of fruits and vegetables.


Maira Chaudhary
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I'm not usually a fan of spinach salads, but this one changed my mind. The dates and almonds add so much flavor and texture.


Sharoz Khan
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I made this salad for a party and it was a huge hit. Everyone loved the unique flavor combination.


Lyndra Russell
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This salad is so refreshing and light. It's the perfect meal for a hot summer day.


Hakim Jack
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I was a bit skeptical about the dates in this salad, but I'm so glad I tried it. They add a lovely sweetness and chewiness that really complements the other ingredients.


Jenny Omon
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The combination of spinach, dates, and almonds is so unexpected, but it works so well. I'm definitely going to be making this salad again and again.


Ayub
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I love that this salad is so easy to make. I can whip it up in minutes, which is perfect for a quick and healthy lunch or dinner.


Angela Stewart
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This salad is a delightful symphony of flavors and textures. The baby spinach's delicate bitterness pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the dates and the crunchiness of the almonds. The dressing adds a tangy and nutty flavor that brings the whole d