Monday, April 6, 2009

Warm Spinach Salad

Yesterday, I made a salad I hadn't made in a long time: warm spinach salad. Spinach is so good for you, and I especially enjoy eating it in this salad. The warm dressing slightly wilts the spinach, and the slightly sweet flavor of the sauteed onions and the earthy flavor of the mushrooms make the salad interesting.

Ingredients:

Spinach
1 medium sized red onion, cut in half and then cut into half rings
Mushrooms, sliced (I use whatever kind and how ever many I have on hand)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Salt
Pepper

Wash the spinach and put it in a bowl. In a saute pan, heat the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the onions and saute a few minutes. Add the mushrooms to the pan and continue sauteing the onions and mushrooms until the onions are translucent and the mushrooms are soft. Add the balsamic vinegar and simmer until the dressing slightly reduces. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the dressing cool a bit (1-2 minutes) before pouring it over the spinach. Toss and enjoy.

Sometimes I like to top the salad with some shaved Parmesan cheese, but I didn't add any cheese yesterday, and the salad was delicious without it. I have to remember to make this salad more often!

Be well,
Andrea