Spinach Pear

Spinach Pear Recipe from Croatia with Comice and Pomegranate

Region / culture: Croatia | Servings: - 2

Introduction

Spinach Pear salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish that combines the sweetness of ripe pears with the earthy flavor of fresh spinach. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a dinner party.

History

The combination of spinach and pears in a salad is a classic pairing that has been enjoyed for centuries. Pears have long been used in salads for their sweet and juicy flavor, while spinach adds a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals.

Ingredients

3 cups fresh torn spinach leaves
2 leaves butter or romaine lettuce
1 medium comice pear, peeled, cored and cut into 0.5 inch dice
0.33 cup pomegranate seeds
0.13 tsp cracked black pepper
3 tbsp balsamic vinegar, or less if you prefer high-quality balsamic (or raspberry red wine vinegar, red wine vinegar, as desired)

How to prepare

To assemble the salad, toss the diced pear with pepper and 1 tbsp of the vinegar.
Place one lettuce leaf on each serving plate.
Divide the spinach between the two plates and sprinkle with the remaining vinegar, to taste.
Distribute the diced pear over the spinach, toss pomegranate seeds over the salads, and serve.

Variations

Add crumbled feta cheese or toasted nuts for extra flavor and texture.
Substitute arugula or mixed greens for the spinach.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use fresh, crisp spinach leaves for the best flavor and texture.

- Choose ripe pears that are firm but not too soft.

- Toss the diced pear with vinegar and pepper to enhance the flavors before adding to the salad.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad as a light lunch or as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish.

Cooking Techniques

Tossing the diced pear with vinegar and pepper before adding to the salad helps to enhance the flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any variety of pear that you prefer, such as Anjou or Bartlett.

- Substitute balsamic vinegar for the red wine vinegar for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the pear and spinach ahead of time, but wait to assemble the salad until just before serving to prevent wilting.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the salad on individual plates for an elegant presentation. - Garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not reheat.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

110 per serving

Carbohydrates

23g per serving

Fats

1g per serving

Proteins

2g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate, potassium, and fiber.

Alergens

This recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free.

Summary

This salad is a healthy and delicious option for those looking to increase their intake of fruits and vegetables.

Summary

Spinach Pear salad is a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its combination of sweet pears, crunchy spinach, and tangy vinegar, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Spinach Pear. It was a sunny day in the early spring when I was visiting my dear friend Martha. As we sat in her cozy kitchen sipping tea and catching up, she suddenly disappeared into her pantry and emerged with a worn and tattered recipe card.

"Have you ever tried Spinach Pear?" she asked, a mischievous twinkle in her eye. I shook my head, intrigued by the unfamiliar combination of ingredients.

Martha explained that Spinach Pear was a dish she had learned to make from her grandmother, who in turn had learned it from a neighbor who had spent time in France. The recipe had been passed down through the generations, each cook adding their own twist to the classic dish.

As Martha began to explain the steps involved in making Spinach Pear, I felt a surge of excitement. The combination of fresh spinach, ripe pears, and a creamy cheese sauce sounded absolutely divine. I couldn't wait to give it a try myself.

Over the next few hours, Martha and I worked together in her kitchen, chopping, sautéing, and simmering our way to a delicious meal. The aroma of garlic and onions filled the air, mingling with the sweet scent of ripe pears. By the time we sat down to eat, I knew that Spinach Pear would become a staple in my own recipe collection.

From that day on, I made Spinach Pear whenever I had the chance. It quickly became a favorite among my family and friends, who marveled at the unique combination of flavors. I loved the way the tender spinach wilted in the warm cheese sauce, creating a rich and creamy base for the sweet pears.

As the years passed, I continued to perfect my recipe for Spinach Pear. I experimented with different types of cheese, added a sprinkle of nutmeg for warmth, and even tried roasting the pears before adding them to the dish. Each variation brought its own unique twist to the classic recipe, making it even more special.

One day, as I was preparing Spinach Pear for a family gathering, my granddaughter wandered into the kitchen. She watched me with wide eyes, her curiosity piqued by the unusual combination of ingredients.

"Can I help, Grandma?" she asked, reaching for a pear and a knife. I smiled and nodded, showing her how to peel and slice the fruit. As we worked together, I shared the story of how I had learned to make Spinach Pear from my dear friend Martha so many years ago.

My granddaughter listened intently, her eyes sparkling with wonder. She seemed fascinated by the idea of a recipe that had been passed down through generations, each cook adding their own touch to create something truly special.

When we finally sat down to eat, my granddaughter took a tentative bite of Spinach Pear. Her face lit up with delight as she tasted the creamy cheese sauce, the tender spinach, and the sweet pears. I knew in that moment that the recipe had found a new home in her heart.

As I watched my granddaughter savor her first bite of Spinach Pear, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction. It was a joy to see her embrace a tradition that had brought so much happiness to me over the years. I knew that the recipe would continue to be passed down through our family, each generation adding their own memories and stories to the mix.

And so, as I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that brought Spinach Pear into my life, I am filled with gratitude. It is a recipe that has brought me joy, connected me to loved ones, and created lasting memories. I can only hope that my granddaughter will cherish it as much as I have, and that she will one day pass it on to her own children, continuing the cycle of love and tradition for years to come.