Fresh

They look like they’re waiting on someone to bring them food, don’t they? Rene is hoping it’s spinach, because that’s her favorite food in the whole world, she’s especially fond the Warm Spinach Salad served up fresh at Quality Food & Beverage in LA …this is why I don’t write screenplays. Who would go to see a movie about three people waiting to be served spinach? Oh Rene? Well, she does like spinach, a lot, so maybe she would.

Thanks to Rexipe at Flickr for the image

Warm Spinach Salad with Bacon & Balsamic Vinaigrette

Thanks to What’s Cooking in America for this recipe

6 cups (5-ounces) fresh spinach leaves, washed, dried, and chilled

2 slices bacon, cut into 1/4-inch pieces

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 cup minced red onion (or use Caramelized onions)

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/8 teaspoon sugar

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Remove stems and veins from spinach and tear into bite-sized pieces; place spinach in a large bowl.

In a small frying pan over medium heat, fry bacon approximately 5 minutes or until crisp; transfer with slotted spoon to paper towel-lined plate, leaving fat in pan. Return frying pan to medium heat; add oil, onion, salt, pepper, and sugar. Cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onion is slightly softened. Add balsamic vinegar; swirl to incorporate.

Pour warm dressing over spinach and toss gently to wilt (when properly wilted, the leaf edges soften slightly, but the spinach retains some crunch). Sprinkle bacon over spinach and serve immediately.

Add mushrooms, sun dried tomatoes and toasted almonds too.

Posted on March 28th, 2008 by Ruth
Filed under: Salad, Vegetarian