Spinaci Alla Fiorentina Spinach Florentine Style Recipes

SPINACI (SPINACH) ALLA PADELLA (FRYING PAN)

Steps:

• Bring 1 gallon of water to boil in a large pot with 2 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt. Add the spinach, pushing it down into the water with a skimmer, and immediately remove it to a bowl of ice water.
• Drain the spinach once cooled (don't leave it in for too long) and squeeze out the water. Divide spinach into 4 sections and compress each into a ball (each ball will be about
• 1 cup and they can be wrapped in plastic and refrigerated for up to a day).
• Cut each ball in half and then in half again to chop up the spinach.
• Place 1/4 cup of the oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the garlic to the pan and shake the pan often, for about 1 minute or until the garlic is lightly browned. Add the spinach and saute for 2 to 3 minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste. It will seem dry. Remove the spinach to a bowl, sprinkle with a little olive oil and garnish with lemon wedges.
• Variations:
• Try adding some chopped anchovy with the garlic.
• For creamed spinach: substitute butter for half of the oil and add 1 cup of heavy whipping cream as you cook the spinach.

SPINACI ALLA FIORENTINA (SPINACH FLORENTINE STYLE)

Steps:

• Make a balsamella by melting the butter in a heavy saucepan on low heat. When the butter reaches the frothing point add the flour. Mix well with a spoon and let cook until the color is a light brown -- don't over cook -- undercooking is preferable -- meanwhile heat the milk in a small pan -- when the milk is warm add a little at a time to the flour mixture -- the origional recipe calls for adding all the milk at once but I find I get less lumps if I add a little at a time whisking continuously -- your goal is a nice creamy sauce. Remove from heat an cover until needed.
• Make sure spinach is clean and cut out any tough stems. Chop coarsely.
• Place olive oil in a pan and warm on medium heat. Add the garlic and spinach. Toss and cook until wilted and the garlic is lightly browned.
• Toss the spinach with the balsamella. Add the cheese, nutmeg salt and pepper to taste.
• Butter the bottom and sides of a 13 1/2 X 8 3/4 inch baking dish.
• Pour the spinach mixture into the dish and bake in a preheated 375 F oven for about 25 minutes. The top should be a little brown and bubbling.

FLORENTINE STYLE STEAK -- BISTECCA ALLA FIORENTINA

Steps:

• Remove the steaks from the refrigerator, rinse under water, pat dry with paper towels and allow to sit at room temperature 30 minutes before cooking.
• Put the fatback, garlic and rosemary into a food processor and blend until it is the consistency of toothpaste.
• Rub the fat mixture evenly over the meat and season with coarse salt and fresh ground pepper.
• Use a hot, clean, oiled grill and grill the steaks for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side for medium rare.
• The fillet will cook a little faster than the strip loin. Move the steaks frequently, approximately every 2 minutes or so, for even cooking and a crispy exterior.
• When the steaks are cooked, take them off the grill and allow to rest for 5 to 7 minutes. The resting allows the blood to circulate and distributes the juices evenly.
• Serve and enjoy!

CREAMY RIGATONI FLORENTINE

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; saute chicken until no longer pink in the center, about 10 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate. Add mushrooms to skillet; saute until mushrooms are tender, 5 to 10 minutes. Add garlic; saute until fragrant and golden, 1 to 2 minutes.
• Stir spaghetti sauce, half-and-half, and Italian seasoning into mushroom mixture; cook and stir over medium heat until sauce thickens, 10 to 15 minutes. Mix cooked chicken and spinach into sauce and cook until spinach is wilted, about 5 minutes.
• Stir pasta into sauce and add mozzarella cheese; stir until cheese melts. Garnish dish with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

RIGATONI FLORENTINE

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain and reserve.
• In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and saute until cooked through and no longer pink inside. Add garlic to skillet; saute until golden. Add cream and spaghetti sauce to skillet; cook over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes or until sauce thickens.
• Add cooked chicken and spinach and cook until spinach reduces. Then add rigatoni; toss with cheese and serve.

PORK CHOPS ALLA FIORENTINA

Steps:

• Remove the pork chops from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Dry the pork chops well on both sides using paper towels and season evenly with 1 teaspoon salt.
• Add the oil to the pan and heat an additional 30 seconds. Add the pork chops to the pan and cook, undisturbed, until deep golden brown and beginning to look cooked around the edges, about 5 minutes. Flip the chops, lower the heat to medium and cook, searing the edges as well, until golden brown and the center reaches 140 to 145 degrees F, about 5 minutes. Remove to a plate to rest and carry-over cook.
• Return the pan to medium heat and add the butter, shallots and garlic. Cook until fragrant and soft, about 1 minute. Add the spinach to the pan along with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring often until wilted. Stir in the mascarpone, lemon juice and 2 tablespoons water and bring to a simmer. Stir in any juices from the pork that have accumulated on the plate and cook for 2 minutes longer. Spoon the sauce over the pork chops and serve.