Borani Esfanej

Elevate your appetizer game with **Borani Esfanej**, a creamy Persian spinach and yogurt dip that's as delicious as it is nutritious. Combining tender, sautéed spinach with the tangy richness of Greek yogurt, this dish is infused with the subtle warmth of garlic and a hint of aromatic dried mint for an authentic Middle Eastern flavor. Topped with a sprinkle of chopped walnuts and a drizzle of olive oil, this versatile recipe is perfect as a cooling side dish, a creamy spread for flatbreads, or a standout addition to any mezze platter. Ready in just 20 minutes, Borani Esfanej offers a delightful balance of simplicity and sophistication, ideal for serving chilled or at room temperature.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams Fresh spinach
• 250 grams Plain Greek yogurt
• 2 pieces Garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Dried mint (optional)
• 2 tablespoons Walnuts (optional, chopped, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Wash the fresh spinach thoroughly and remove any tough stems. Chop the spinach coarsely.

Step 2

Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 4

Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes until wilted and the water released by the spinach has reduced. Stir occasionally.

Step 5

Transfer the cooked spinach to a bowl and let it cool completely to room temperature.

Step 6

Once cooled, mix the spinach with the Greek yogurt. Add the salt, black pepper, and dried mint (if using), and stir until well combined.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt or spices to your preference.

Step 8

Transfer the Borani Esfanej to a serving bowl and garnish with chopped walnuts if desired. Drizzle with a small amount of olive oil for an extra touch.

Step 9

Serve chilled or at room temperature with flatbread, crackers, or as a side dish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	805.6 grams (805.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	660

Total Fat 42.10g	54%
Saturated Fat 8.30g	42%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.80g
Cholesterol 25mg	8%
Sodium 2828mg	123%
Total Carbohydrate 32.40g	12%
Dietary Fiber 13.60g	49%
Total Sugars 9.30g
Protein 39.40g	79%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 789mg	61%
Iron 17mg	95%
Potassium 459mg	10%

*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: 56.9%

Protein: 23.7%

Carbs: 19.5%