Borani-yeh Esfenaj (Spinach Yogurt Dip)

Published May 23, 2022

Borani-yeh Esfenaj (Spinach Yogurt Dip)
Ryan Liebe for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Victoria Granof.
Total Time
35 minutes, plus at least 2 hours’ chilling
Rating
4(726)
Comments
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There are many types of Iranian borani, or yogurt-based dishes, and spinach borani is a classic. What sets borani-yeh esfenaj apart from a simple mix of wilted spinach and yogurt is that the spinach is first cooked down with flavorful golden onions, garlic and turmeric. The preparation of the onion is the backbone of the dish and not to be overlooked. Rather than cooking the onion low and slow, as is done when caramelizing, it’s cooked quickly over a higher heat to draw out its sweet and sharp flavors. Creamy Greek yogurt is mixed with thinner regular yogurt for a balanced consistency. Use more or less of either depending on your preference: You can serve the borani thicker as a dip with pita crackers or flat breads, or thinner as a light lunch or snack alongside rice.

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Ingredients

Yield:6 servings
  • 3tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for serving
  • 1medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2large garlic cloves, finely grated
  • Salt and black pepper
  • ¼teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 12ounces fresh baby spinach, or thawed frozen spinach (no need to squeeze)
  • 1cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1tablespoon regular plain yogurt (or water; see Tip), plus more as needed
  • ½teaspoon lemon zest and 1 tablespoon lemon juice, plus more juice to taste
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (6 servings)

128 calories; 10 grams fat; 3 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 5 grams monounsaturated fat; 1 gram polyunsaturated fat; 7 grams carbohydrates; 2 grams dietary fiber; 3 grams sugars; 6 grams protein; 319 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a large (12-inch) pan, heat the oil over medium-high. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low, add the garlic, sprinkle with a little salt, stir and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the turmeric, stir and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

  2. Step 2

    Add about half the spinach and increase the heat to medium. Using tongs, quickly and continuously toss the spinach with the onion mixture until slightly wilted and reduced in volume. Add the rest of the spinach, ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Toss and cook until the spinach is wilted and any liquid has evaporated, 3 to 5 minutes. Increase the heat slightly if the spinach releases too much water. Transfer the spinach mixture to a bowl and cool to room temperature.

  3. Step 3

    To the cooled spinach, add the Greek yogurt, regular plain yogurt, lemon zest and lemon juice. Stir well to combine, and add salt to taste. If the mixture is too thick, thin out with more regular yogurt, 1 tablespoon at a time. Taste and add more salt and lemon juice as needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 24 hours. Stir to combine, then drizzle with olive oil and serve.

Tip
  • You can thin out the Greek yogurt with water instead of regular yogurt, but it might not be as creamy as using regular plain yogurt.

Ratings

4 out of 5
726 user ratings
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Comments

Mast esfenaj is what we call it. Even though you're *supposed to* eat it cold, I love it warm. The flavors are so delicious together. I always cook the spinach separately and chop it all up once it's steamed because it's so easy to do then, and then add back in to the onions, etc.

I like to eat this with a fried egg. Yum.

Or in a baked potato. Yum

SO DELICIOUS! Made just as described. Served with Mark Bittman's Crispy Chickpeas with Ground Beef for a quick & tasty weeknight meal.

Guests liked it. I thought it was ok. I suggest trying frozen spinach, which would be less work, and also adding cumin, which I did not do.

Why does it say to start at medium high, then increase the heat to medium?

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