This recipe is an ancient Persian take on the spinach salad from masterful writer Joan Nathan. Spinach is quickly blanched in boiling water, then pulsed in a food processor with cilantro, walnuts and garlic until roughly chopped. Toss with vinegar, salt and pepper and serve at room temperature alongside a chunk of whole grain bread and good butter and you have a delicious spring dinner.
People serve many kinds of cookies and candies to guests on Chinese New Year. Walnut cookies are often included.
The filling can be made up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated. Rewarm the filling before stuffing the mushrooms. We do not recommend roasting the mushrooms in advance, as they become leathery once rewarmed. When shopping, choose dense mushrooms with a cupped shape. Blue cheese can be substituted for the goat cheese. This recipe can be easily halved.
In Syria, however, there is no mistaking the name for anything but this delectable syrupy sponge cake topped with mixed nuts.
Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl. Toss to combine and serve.
An update on the onion dip you know and love.
French Lentil Salad with Goat Cheese and Walnuts
Salade de Lentilles au Chèvre et Aux Noix
I try to avoid sugar, but this fruit-based dessert satisfies my craving when I want something sweet.
Dressing:
This salad says summer and is a foil for the steak. It is a simplified version of one I ate recently in Spain.