Spinach With Raisins And Pine Nuts (Espinacs A La Catalana) - cooking recipe

Ingredients

6 tablespoons raisins (golden or dark)
2 bunches fresh spinach, tough stems removed
4 tablespoons fragrant extra virgin olive oil
8 whole small peeled garlic cloves, lightly mashed
5 tablespoons pine nuts
coarse salt & freshly ground black pepper (kosher or sea)

Preparation

Place the raisins in a small bowl, add very hot water to cover, and soak until plump, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels, then set aside.
Rinse, but do not drain the spinach. Place the spinach in a large saucepan over medium heat and cover the pan. Cook the spinach in the water that clings to its leaves until just wilted, 4-5 minutes, stirring a few times.
Transfer the spinach to a colander and squeeze out the excess moisture by pressing on the spinach with the back of a spoon. Chop the spinach coarsely. (The spinach can be prepared a few hours ahead up to this point).
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over low heat. Add the garlic, pine nuts, and soaked raisins and cook until the nuts and garlic are light golden, 3-5 minutes.
Increase the heat to medium, add the chopped spinach and cook for about 1 minute, stirring to combine evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste, transfer to a serving bowl and serve.