Spinach With Almonds And Red Pepper Flake Recipes

BABY SPINACH WITH ALMONDS AND GOLDEN RAISINS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spread the almonds out on a rimmed baking sheet and toast until light brown and fragrant, about 8 minutes. Set aside.
• Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until brown and crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the cooked bacon with a slotted spoon to a small bowl, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
• Return the skillet to medium heat, add the shallots and 1 tablespoon water and cook, stirring, until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the vinegar and cook until it is reduced and the shallots are glazed, about 3 minutes more. Add the spinach in batches, stirring to wilt before adding more. When all the spinach has been added, raise the heat to high, add the paprika, red pepper flakes, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper and cook, covered, for 2 minutes. Remove the lid, stir in the raisins, toasted almonds, reserved bacon and butter and serve.

BABY SPINACH SALAD WITH DATES AND ALMONDS

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.

GARLIC-INFUSED SHRIMP AND SPINACH PASTA SALAD WITH TOASTED ALMONDS

Steps:

• Heat 1/3 cup of the oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring, until the garlic is golden, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl and cool to room temperature. Stir in the lemon juice and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper.
• Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the shrimp, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until just cooked through, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate with a slotted spoon. Add the almonds to the skillet and cook, stirring often, until golden, about 3 minutes. Transfer to the plate with the shrimp and set aside.
• Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool; add to the bowl with the garlic oil.
• Add the shrimp, almonds, spinach, parsley, scallions and tomato to the bowl and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. The pasta salad is best if served right away.