Stapilos Pkhali with a Twist

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) fresh spinach leaves 500g (1.1 lb) fresh spinach leaves
• 200g (7 oz) walnuts, toasted 200g (7 oz) walnuts, toasted
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 9g, 2g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Blanch the spinach leaves in boiling water for 1 minute, then transfer them to an ice bath to cool. Drain and squeeze out any excess water.
2. 2.
   In a food processor, combine the blanched spinach, toasted walnuts, chopped onion, cilantro, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is well combined and has a smooth consistency.
3. 3.
   Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
4. 4.
   Transfer the mixture to a serving dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Serve the savory spinach and walnut spread with bread or crackers.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Spinach — Make sure to blanch the spinach quickly to retain its vibrant green color and prevent it from becoming too wilted.
• Walnuts — Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until they become fragrant and slightly golden. This will enhance their nutty flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For added texture, reserve a small portion of the toasted walnuts and sprinkle them on top of the spread before serving.
• Experiment with different herbs such as dill or mint to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
• If you prefer a smoother consistency, blend the mixture for a longer time in the food processor.

Serving advice

Serve the savory spinach and walnut spread on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and lemon wedges. Accompany it with warm crusty bread or a selection of crackers for a delightful appetizer or snack.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, shape the spread into small quenelles using two spoons or an ice cream scoop. Arrange them on a serving platter and garnish with a sprinkle of chopped herbs and a drizzle of olive oil.