Borani Esfanaaj

Indulge in the creamy, savory delight of Borani Esfanaaj, a traditional Persian spinach and yogurt dip that's as healthy as it is flavorful. This elegant appetizer features tender sautéed spinach infused with aromatic garlic and a hint of turmeric, perfectly blended with rich and tangy Greek yogurt for a luscious texture. Accented with fragrant dried mint and a drizzle of olive oil, Borani Esfanaaj offers a harmonious balance of earthy, zesty, and herbaceous notes. Garnished with crunchy walnuts for added texture, this versatile dish is perfect served chilled or at room temperature alongside warm pita bread, flatbread, or as a vibrant side to Persian feasts. With just 25 minutes required, this quick and wholesome recipe is a must-try for lovers of Middle Eastern cuisine!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams Spinach (fresh)
• 300 grams Greek yogurt (plain, unsweetened)
• 2 cloves Garlic (finely minced)
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Dried mint
• 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 30 grams Walnuts (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Wash the spinach thoroughly and let it dry. Roughly chop the spinach into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 3

Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and stir well. Sprinkle in the turmeric powder and cook until the spinach is wilted and all excess moisture has evaporated, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Step 4

In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, salt, black pepper, and dried mint. Mix well until smooth and creamy.

Step 5

Add the cooled spinach mixture to the yogurt and stir until fully incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 6

Transfer the Borani Esfanaaj to a serving dish. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil on top and garnish with chopped walnuts if desired.

Step 7

Serve chilled or at room temperature with warm pita bread, flatbread, or as a side dish to complement various Persian meals.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	772.8 grams (772.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	755

Total Fat 50.10g	64%
Saturated Fat 6.90g	35%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 10mg	3%
Sodium 2783mg	121%
Total Carbohydrate 30.20g	11%
Dietary Fiber 11.40g	41%
Total Sugars 9.90g
Protein 36.90g	74%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 658mg	51%
Iron 13mg	70%
Potassium 2647mg	56%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 62.7%

Protein: 20.5%

Carbs: 16.8%