*  Exported from  MasterCook  *

              BORANI ESFANAJ (SPINACH-YOGURT SALAD OR DIP)

Recipe By     :
Serving Size  : 6    Preparation Time :0:00
Categories    : Ethnic                           Salads

 Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
  1                    Onion, chopped
  4                    Cloves garlic, chopped
  1                    To 2 tbsp butter
    1/2                To 1 tsp tumeric
    1/2                To 1 tsp cayenne pepper (or
                       -a generous dash tabasco
                       -sauce)
    1/2   ts           Curry powder
  1       t            Cumin
    1/4   ts           Cinnamon
  1       pk           Frozen chopped spinach,
                       -defrosted, or 2 bunches
                       -fresh spinach,
                       Cooked and chopped.
  1       c            Plain yogurt

 This spinach and yogurt dish is Persian in origin, The yogurt is redolent
 with both musky and sweet spices complementing the slightly tart taste of
 the spinach. Borani Esfanah is enjoyed as an appetizer, side dish, or dip
 to spread on bread.  Though untraditional, the hot pepper flavoring adds
 zip. Accompany with French bread, or pita; or, for a more tactile
 experience, tear off pieces of warm, soft flour tortillas and scoop up the
 savory mixture.

 salt

 1.  Saute onion and garlic in butter until soft.  Add spices and cook a few
 minutes to rid them of any rawness

 2.  Mix in spinach, yogurt, and salt to taste.

 RECOMMENDED WINE:

 Drink a slightly sweet Gewutztraminer or California riesling (German
 rieslings fade at the spicy assertion of this dish).



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