Mushrooms & Spinach with Soppressata Crisps

Cremini mushrooms (also called “baby bellas”) look similar to button mushrooms but have brown caps and a meatier texture.

• 1 oz. very thinly sliced hot soppressata or other spicy dried sausage, slices quartered (about 1/4 cup or 8 slices 1/8 inch thick)
• 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil; more for drizzling
• 15 oz. cremini mushrooms, halved if small or quartered or cut into sixths if very large (scant 5 cups)
• 5 medium scallions (white and green parts), trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces (1-1/2 cups)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 medium cloves garlic, minced
• 5 oz. baby spinach (about 6 cups)

Put the soppressata in a large (preferably 12-inch) skillet over medium heat. Cook until crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a small plate lined with paper towels. Increase the heat to medium high and let the pan heat up for 1 minute. Pour in the oil and swirl to coat the pan. As soon as the oil is shimmering—but not smoking—add the mushrooms in an even layer. Season with salt and pepper and let cook undisturbed until the mushrooms have begun to brown, about 3 minutes. Add the scallion pieces and sauté, stirring as needed, until the mushrooms are golden brown and tender and the scallions are lightly browned in places and softened, another 6 to 7 minutes. If the vegetables seem to be cooking too fast or the pan bottom is starting to burn, lower the heat to medium. (If using an electric stovetop, take the pan off the heat momentarily to let the pan cool.) Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Turn off the heat and add the spinach and crisped soppressata, flipping and stirring to blend and to wilt the spinach. Season to taste with salt and pepper, drizzle with a little olive oil, and serve immediately.

Butternut Squash with Spinach, Raisins, and Pine Nuts

Elegant yet comforting, this side dish has layers of flavor thanks to the earthy-sweet squash and raisins, the fresh spinach, and the rich salty toasty top notes from the cheese and nuts.

• 2 Tbs. unsalted butter
• 1 small lemon, finely grated to yield 1/2 tsp. zest and squeezed to yield 2 tsp. juice
• 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1-3/4 lb. butternut squash, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch dice (about 4 cups)
• Kosher salt
• 1 medium yellow onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 5 oz. mature spinach leaves, thick stems removed (about 5 packed cups)
• 1 oz. coarsely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (about 1/4 cup)
• 2 Tbs. toasted pine nuts

Melt the butter in a small skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook, swirling occasionally, until the milk solids turn light brown, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, add the lemon zest and juice, and swirl to combine.

Heat the oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the squash and 1/2 tsp. salt; toss well to coat.

Cover the pan with the lid ajar by about 1 inch. Turn the heat down to medium low and cook, gently stirring occasionally, until the squash begins to brown, 5 to 6 minutes. As the mixture cooks, you should hear a gentle sizzle.

Turn the heat down to low, add the onions and raisins and cook, stirring occasionally and then gently pushing the vegetables back into a single layer so that most have direct contact with the pan, until the vegetables are tender and browned, 12 to 15 minutes more.

Add the spinach and lemon butter and toss gently until the spinach is wilted, about 1 minute. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cheese and pine nuts. Season to taste with salt. Serve right away or let sit off the heat, partially covered, until ready to serve, and then reheat gently over medium-low heat.

Creamed Spinach Amandine

An elegant side dish for Slow-Roasted Beef Tenderloin

• 20 oz. fresh spinach, stemmed, washed, and drained (about 8 cups, loosely packed)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted until lightly golden
• 1/2 Tbs. almond oil (or walnut or hazelnut oil)

Heat a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Add a large handful of spinach, and as it wilts and makes room in the pan, add more spinach. When it’s all wilted, pour off any liquid in the pan, add the heavy cream, and season with salt and pepper. Keep on low heat until serving.

To serve, sprinkle each portion of spinach with the toasted almonds and drizzle with the nut oil.

Spinach & Parmesan Gratin

This comforting, savory side dish is good with roasted or sautéed meats. Or pair it with a salad and serve it after a bowl of soup. You can also use this as a filling for crêpes.

• 2 lb. fresh spinach, stemmed, washed, and drained
• 1-1/2 cups milk or homemade or low-salt chicken broth
• 2 Tbs. unsalted butter; more for the baking dish
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 2/3 cup diced)
• 2 Tbs. all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
• Pinch freshly ground black pepper
• Pinch ground cayenne
• 1-1/4 cups (3 oz.) freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano

Heat the oven to 350°F. Butter a medium (1-1/2- quart) shallow baking dish.

Fill a large pot about halfway with lightly salted water and bring to a boil over high heat. Add the spinach in large handfuls, adding more as it wilts. When all the spinach is in the pot, blanch for 1 minute. Drain in a colander, running cold water over the spinach to cool it. Squeeze the cooled spinach to remove as much liquid as possible and then chop it coarsely.

Heat the milk or broth in a small saucepan or in the microwave until hot. Set a medium saucepan over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the onion and cook until translucent and softened but not colored, about 5 minutes. Stir in the flour, salt, pepper, and cayenne and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Slowly stir in the milk or broth, raise the heat to medium, and cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce bubbles and thickens, about 5 minutes.

When the sauce is ready, add 1 cup of the Parmigiano and stir until the cheese is melted and thoroughly combined. Take the pan off the heat and stir in the chopped spinach, mixing well. Taste and season with more salt if necessary. Scrape into the buttered baking dish, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup Parmigiano on top, and bake until the gratin is bubbly and the top is nicely browned, 35 to 40 minutes. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Classic Creamed Spinach

With a subtle infusion of garlic and a bit of Parmigiano-Reggiano, this creamy side dish holds its own against the steakhouse competition.

• 2 lb. fresh spinach (mature crinkly leaves, not flat baby leaves), stems removed
• Kosher salt
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 3 large cloves garlic, smashed and peeled
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/2 oz. (1 Tbs.) unsalted butter
• 1 Tbs. plus 1 tsp. all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

Wash the spinach thoroughly using 2 or 3 changes of water, but don’t dry the leaves. Set a 6- to 8-quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add half of the wet spinach to it. Season with 1/4 tsp. salt, cover, and steam, tossing frequently, until wilted, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a colander in the sink and repeat with the remaining spinach.


Allow the spinach to cool in the colander for several minutes. Using a clean, folded dishtowel, press down on the spinach to remove as much water as possible. Let the spinach rest for a few more minutes and then press again to remove more water. Transfer the spinach to a cutting board, blot again with the towel, and chop very coarsely.


Put the milk, cream, and smashed garlic in a 1-quart saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat; then immediately remove from the heat and let sit for 10 minutes.


With a fork, remove most of the smashed garlic from the cream mixture, pressing the garlic against the side of the pan to squeeze out the cream. (It’s fine if small pieces of garlic remain.) Transfer the cream mixture to a liquid measuring cup and add 1/2 tsp. salt, a few grinds of pepper, and a big pinch of nutmeg.


Wipe out the saucepan. Melt the butter in the pan over medium-low heat. Add the flour and cook, whisking constantly, until pale and smooth, about 1 minute.


Whisk in the cream mixture in a slow, steady stream. Raise the heat to medium and simmer the sauce, whisking constantly, until it thickens and reduces slightly, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat.


Return the chopped cooked spinach to the Dutch oven and set over medium heat. Add the sauce and stir to combine. Add the Parmigiano and mix well. Continue to stir constantly until the spinach is hot, 1 to 2 minutes. Season with more salt and pepper and serve immediately.

Spinach & Parmesan Stuffed Mushrooms

• 1 lb. medium white mushrooms (about 24), wiped clean
• 5 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3 slices white sandwich bread
• 4 scallions (white and green parts), thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup dry sherry
• 6 oz. fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup plus 1 Tbs. freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano
• 1/2 lemon

Set an oven rack 6 inches from the top element and heat the broiler to high. Completely remove the mushroom stems; thinly slice the stems. Set the mushroom caps stem side up on a heavy-duty rimmed baking sheet, drizzle with 1-1/2 Tbs. of the oil, and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp. salt and a few grinds of pepper. Broil until the mushrooms are brown and completely tender, 6 to 7 minutes.

Pulse the bread in a food processor until it forms uniform crumbs. In a large, heavy sauté pan, heat 2 Tbs. of the oil over medium-high heat. Add the breadcrumbs and 1/4 tsp. salt, and cook, stirring constantly, until the breadcrumbs crisp and turn light brown, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate and wipe the pan clean. Return the pan to high heat, add the remaining 1-1/2 Tbs. oil and the scallions, and sauté until browned and softened, about 2 minutes. Add the mushroom stems and 1/2 tsp. salt. Cook, stirring, until the stems soften and brown, about 3 minutes. Add the sherry and cook until almost evaporated, 30 to 60 seconds. Add the spinach and stir until it wilts, about 1 minute. Add the cream and 1/3 cup Parmigiano, reduce the heat to medium, and cook until the cream reduces slightly, about 2 minutes. Taste for salt and pepper; let cool.

Discard any liquid that may have accumulated in the mushroom caps. Mound the spinach mixture into the caps; top with the breadcrumbs (press them into the filling) and the remaining 1 Tbs. Parmigiano.

Heat the broiler to high. Broil the caps until the breadcrumbs brown a little more and the mushrooms heat through, 1 to 3 minutes. Squeeze the lemon half over the caps. Serve immediately.

Chickpea and Spinach Salad

In this salad, the versatile chickpea goes exotic in a deeply spiced, aromatic lemon and cumin dressing. Fresh herbs punch it up with an unmistakable freshness, and spinach provides a tender bed. An orange-infused yogurt topping creates a cool, creamy contrast. Great as a side salad with grilled meat, it can also work as a vegetarian entrée.

• One 15.5-oz. cans chickpeas, preferably low-sodium, drained and rinsed
• 2 Tbs. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 2 Tbs. olive oil
• 2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp. finely grated lemon zest
• 3/4 tsp. ground cumin
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 3 Tbs. plain nonfat yogurt
• 1 Tbs. orange juice
• 1/4 tsp. finely grated orange zest
• 1/4 tsp. honey
• 2 oz. baby spinach leaves (about 2 cups lightly packed)
• 1 Tbs. coarsely chopped fresh mint

In a medium bowl, combine the chickpeas, parsley, and onion. In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, lemon juice and zest, cumin, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Pour the dressing over the chickpea mixture and toss to coat evenly. In another small bowl, stir together the yogurt, orange juice and zest, and honey.

Serve the chickpea salad over a bed of spinach leaves. Top with the yogurt sauce and garnish with the mint.

Arroz Verde (Green Rice)

Rich and refined, arroz verde is one of the most popular dishes I present to cooking classes.

• 1/2 cup tightly packed fresh cilantro sprigs (about 1/2 oz.)
• 1 cup tightly packed fresh stemmed spinach leaves (about 1-1/2 oz.)
• 1-1/4 cups homemade or low-salt chicken broth
• 1-1/4 cups milk
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 1 Tbs. olive oil
• 3 Tbs. unsalted butter
• 1-1/2 cups long-grain rice
• 1/4 cup finely minced onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Put the cilantro, spinach, and broth in a blender and blend until the vegetables are puréed. Add the milk and salt and blend a bit more until well combined.

In a medium (3-qt.) heavy-based saucepan (with a good lid) over medium heat, heat the olive oil and butter. When the butter is melted, add the rice and sauté, stirring about every 30 seconds, until it just begins to brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the onion and garlic and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add the contents of the blender, stir well, turn the heat to high, and bring to a boil. Cover the pan, turn the heat to very low, and cook for 20 minutes. Stir the rice carefully to avoid crushing it, cover, and cook another 5 minutes.

Take the pan off the heat and let the rice steam in the covered pot for 10 minutes. Serve hot.

Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Sherry Maple Vinaigrette

I like to include the optional bacon in this salad because I think its meaty smokiness adds great contrast to the bitter greens, creamy goat cheese, and sweet butternut squash.

• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup port
• 1 butternut squash (about 2 lb.)
• 1 small red onion
• 2 Tbs. olive oil
• 2 Tbs. maple syrup
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 medium heads Belgian endive
• 1 small head frisée
• 1/2 small head radicchio
• 3 cups loosely packed spinach leaves, stemmed
• Sherry Maple Vinaigrette
• 6-oz. log fresh goat cheese
• 1/3 cup chopped toasted walnuts
• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)

Cover the raisins with the port and let sit overnight.

Heat the oven to 400°F. Cut off the bulb end of the squash; reserve for another use. Peel the cylinder end and cut into 1/2- to 3/4-inch dice. Thinly slice the red onion. In a bowl, combine the squash, red onion, olive oil, and maple syrup. Season with salt and pepper and toss to combine thoroughly. Spread the squash and onions on an oiled sheet pan and roast, stirring occasionally, until the squash is just cooked through and the squash and onions are browned, 20 to 25 minutes.

Cut the endive into 1/2-inch slices. Cut off the stem end of the frisée, separate the leaves, and cut them into smaller pieces. Core and roughly chop the radicchio. Combine the endive, frisée, radicchio, and spinach in a nonreactive mixing bowl; toss with 1/2 cup of the vinaigrette. Arrange the greens on six plates.

Heat the broiler. Slice the goat cheese into 6 rounds and arrange on a baking sheet. Broil until just soft, 2 to 3 minutes. Top each plate of greens with the still-warm squash and onions. Drain the raisins and sprinkle them, the toasted walnuts, and the bacon, if using, around the plate. Garnish with a round of warmed goat cheese. Drizzle a few teaspoons of the remaining vinaigrette around each plate and serve. Reserve extra vinaigrette for another use.

Palak Paneer (Spinach with Indian Cheese)

• 1 Recipe Paneer
• 9 oz. fresh spinach, chopped
• 2 green chilies, seeded and chopped
• 1/2 tsp. chopped ginger
• pinch of salt
• 2 Tbs. vegetable oil
• pinch of fenugreek
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, chopped
• 1/4 tsp. cumin seeds
• 1 cup pureed tomatoes

Cut the paneer into 2-inch square pieces, 1 inch thick and set aside.

Put spinach, chilies, ginger, salt and a sprinkling of water in a large, heavy-based pan and cook over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, or until cooked.  Allow to cool, squeeze dry, then transfer to a blender or food processor and process to make a puree. Set aside.

Heat the oil in a heavy-based pan over medium heat, add the fenugreek seeds and stir-fry for about 30 seconds. Add the onion and stir-fry for about 5 minutes, or until it is lightly colored.  Add the garlic and cumin seeds and fry for about 30 seconds, then add the pureed tomatoes and fry for a further 5 minutes, or until the liquid in the tomatoes has evaporated. Add the pareer and stir gently, then add the pureed spinach and cook for 2 minutes before serving. 

Spinach Sauté with Brown Butter & Garlic

This quick-cooking vegetable accompaniment is best with tender, young spinach.

• 2 Tbs. unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, gently crushed and peeled
• 1 large bunch spinach (10 to 12 oz.), thick stems trimmed; leaves washed and dried well
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 lemon, halved

In a large sauté pan over medium heat, melt the butter with the garlic until the butter is golden brown and smells nutty; make sure the garlic doesn’t burn. Raise the heat to high and add the spinach, in batches if need be, flipping and stirring, until just barely wilted, about 1 minute. Take the pan off the heat; remove the garlic. Season the spinach with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon. Toss and serve immediately.

Warm Spinach Salad with Bacon, Walnuts & Goat Cheese

• 1/4 small red onion, very thinly sliced
• 3 Tbs. sherry vinegar
• 4-1/2 oz. thick-cut bacon (about 4 slices), cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 3 oz. baby spinach (about 8 cups loosely packed), washed
• Kosher salt
• 1-1/2 tsp. chopped fresh mint (optional)
• Scant 1/4 cup shelled walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped
• 2 oz. goat cheese, crumbled
• Freshly ground black pepper

In a small bowl, soak the onion slices in the sherry vinegar.

In a heavy skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp, about 7 minutes. With tongs or a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a plate that’s lined with paper towels. Crumble when cool.

Pour off all but 3 Tbs. fat from the pan. Strain the vinegar from the onions into the pan and stir with a wooden spoon to loosen the browned bits and emulsify the dressing. Put the spinach in a medium bowl and drizzle the warm dressing over it. Toss and season with salt to taste.

Divide the spinach among four plates and garnish with the mint, walnuts, onion, and goat cheese. Sprinkle with the crumbled bacon, season with pepper, and serve.

Sauteed Spinach with Shallots

• 5 Tbs. unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup finely chopped shallots
• 3/4 tsp. ground coriander (preferably from toasted and freshly ground seeds)
• Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
• 1-1/4 lb. spinach (two 10-oz. bags), stemmed and thoroughly washed but not dried
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper (preferably white pepper)
• Pinch freshly grated nutmeg, or to taste

Tip:

Swiss chard leaves (stemmed) would make a fine substitution for the spinach in this recipe.

Heat the butter in a large (12-inch) skillet over medium heat. Add the shallot, coriander, and red pepper flakes, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the shallot begins to soften but does not brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Increase the heat to medium high, and begin adding the spinach, a large handful at a time, tossing with tongs, until all the spinach is in the skillet. Cook, tossing frequently, until the spinach is wilted and bright green, about 2 minutes. If a lot of water remains, cook on high heat, until the leaves are coated with butter but not soupy, another 1 to 2 minutes. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

Seared Scallops with Creamy Spinach and Leeks

Sweet leeks and rich cream mellow the slightly bitter edge of sautéed fresh spinach. Together, they make a luscious bed for seared scallops.

• 2-1/2 Tbs. unsalted butter
• 12 oz. baby spinach (about 12 loosely packed cups)
• 2 medium leeks (white and light-green parts only), halved lengthwise, thinly sliced crosswise, and rinsed (about 1 cup)
• Kosher salt
• 2 large cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup dry white wine
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Pinch freshly grated nutmeg
• 2 Tbs. freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
• 16 large dry-packed sea scallops
• 4 tsp. vegetable oil

Melt 1/2 Tbs. of the butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of the spinach and cook, tossing with tongs, until just wilted, about 2 minutes. Transfer with tongs to a colander set over a bowl; let drain and cool slightly. Repeat with the remaining spinach (you don’t need to add more butter). Squeeze handfuls of the spinach to release as much liquid as possible.

Discard any liquid in the skillet. Melt the remaining 2 Tbs. butter over medium heat and then add the leeks and a pinch of salt. Cook until softened but not browned, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute more. Add the wine, raise the heat to medium high, and cook until almost evaporated, about 2 minutes. Add the cream and simmer until it’s thickened and coats the back of a spoon, about 2 minutes. Season with 1/2 tsp. salt, a generous grind of pepper, and the nutmeg. Stir in the cheese and gently fold in the spinach. Keep warm.

Pat the scallops dry and remove the side muscle if still attached. In a 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat 2 tsp. of the oil over medium heat until shimmering hot. Season the scallops with salt and pepper. Add half of the scallops to the pan and cook, undisturbed, until browned on the bottom, 2 to 3 minutes. Flip and continue to cook until just opaque in the center, about 2 minutes more. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining 2 tsp. of oil and the scallops. Serve the scallops over the spinach.

Portabello Mushrooms with Creamy Spinach-Artichoke Filling

This vegetarian main course brings together the addictive flavors of stuffed mushrooms and spinach and artichoke dip.

• 3 Tbs. olive oil 
• 3 medium cloves garlic, minced (1 Tbs.) 
• 4 medium portabello mushrooms, stemmed, gills removed
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 3 Tbs. mayonnaise  
• 1-1/2 tsp. fresh thyme
• 9 to 10 oz. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry 
• 9 oz. frozen artichokes, thawed, lightly squeezed dry, and chopped 
• 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs or panko  
• 1/3 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano 

Tip:

If you can’t find frozen artichoke hearts, substitute a 14-oz. can of artichoke hearts, drained and patted dry.

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 450°F.

In a small bowl, combine 2 Tbs. of the oil and about two-thirds of the minced garlic. Brush the insides of the mushroom caps with the garlic oil and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Arrange the mushrooms oiled side up on a rimmed baking sheet and roast until just tender, about 10 minutes. 

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and 1/2 tsp. of the thyme with the back of a wooden spoon. Stir in the spinach and artichokes and season to taste with salt and pepper. In another medium bowl, combine the remaining garlic, 1 Tbs. oil, and 1 tsp.  thyme with the breadcrumbs and cheese. 

Spoon the artichoke mixture evenly into the mushroom caps and sprinkle with the breadcrumb mixture. Bake until the crumbs are golden-brown and the filling is hot, about 10 minutes. Serve immediately.

Butternut Squash with Spinach, Raisins, and Pine Nuts

Elegant yet comforting, this side dish has layers of flavor thanks to the earthy-sweet squash and raisins, the fresh spinach, and the rich salty toasty top notes from the cheese and nuts.

• 2 Tbs. unsalted butter
• 1 small lemon, finely grated to yield 1/2 tsp. zest and squeezed to yield 2 tsp. juice
• 2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1-3/4 lb. butternut squash, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch dice (about 4 cups)
• Kosher salt
• 1 medium yellow onion, cut into 1/2-inch dice
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 5 oz. mature spinach leaves, thick stems removed (about 5 packed cups)
• 1 oz. coarsely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (about 1/4 cup)
• 2 Tbs. toasted pine nuts

Melt the butter in a small skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook, swirling occasionally, until the milk solids turn light brown, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, add the lemon zest and juice, and swirl to combine.

Heat the oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the squash and 1/2 tsp. salt; toss well to coat.

Cover the pan with the lid ajar by about 1 inch. Turn the heat down to medium low and cook, gently stirring occasionally, until the squash begins to brown, 5 to 6 minutes. As the mixture cooks, you should hear a gentle sizzle.

Turn the heat down to low, add the onions and raisins and cook, stirring occasionally and then gently pushing the vegetables back into a single layer so that most have direct contact with the pan, until the vegetables are tender and browned, 12 to 15 minutes more.

Add the spinach and lemon butter and toss gently until the spinach is wilted, about 1 minute. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cheese and pine nuts. Season to taste with salt. Serve right away or let sit off the heat, partially covered, until ready to serve, and then reheat gently over medium-low heat.

Warm Salad of Autumn Greens with Plum Vinaigrette

Use any combination of hardy greens you like.

For the plum vinaigrette:

• 5 Tbs. Damson plum or beach plum preserves
• 1/4 cup Champagne vinegar or white-wine vinegar
• 1 Tbs. Dijon-style mustard
• 1 cup canola or peanut oil
• 1 Tbs. chopped shallots
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

For the greens:

• One 10-oz. bag spinach or 1 lb. fresh loose spinach

• 1 bunch red or green Swiss chard or young kale
• 1 large or 2 small heads frisée or escarole
• 3 to 4 Tbs. olive oil or peanut oil
• 3/4 cup (about 3 oz.) roasted, peeled hazelnuts, roughly chopped, or 1 lb. chestnuts, roasted, peeled, and quartered

Up to one week ahead:

In a blender or food processor, pulse the preserves, vinegar, and mustard until smooth. Continue pulsing and slowly add the oil until incorporated. Add the shallots, salt, and pepper; pulse briefly. Refrigerate in a bottle.

Up to four days ahead:

Stem the spinach and chard (or kale), and cut the chard or kale into strips about 1/2 inch wide. Cut the bottoms off the frisée or escarole. Mix all the greens, wash thoroughly, and spin dry. Wrap loosely in damp (not wet) paper towels and store in sealed zip-top bags. They should stay fresh this way for 5 days.

Just before serving:

Bring the dressing to room temperature. In a very large sauté pan (preferably nonstick), heat about 1 Tbs. of the olive oil over medium-high heat and add one-third of the greens, one-third of the nuts, and a bit of salt and pepper. Sauté 1 to 2 minutes, stirring all the time, until the leaves are slightly wilted. Drizzle a little dressing on them, toss lightly with tongs, and transfer the nuts and greens to a serving platter. Repeat with the remaining greens in two more batches, adding only enough olive oil to the pan as needed to sauté.

Spinach & Basil Salad with Tomatoes, Candied Walnuts & Warm Bacon Dressing

Add some new flavors and textures to perk up a classic spinach salad: fresh basil adds an unexpected flavor boost, the broiled grape tomatoes add warmth, and the candied walnuts, enhanced with a pinch of cayenne, are sweet, salty, and earthy.   

• 8 oz. (5-1/2 lightly packed cups) baby spinach leaves, washed and dried
• 1 cup lightly packed fresh basil leaves, washed and dried
• 6 slices bacon
• 2 Tbs. white-wine vinegar
• 1 Tbs. Dijon mustard
• 1/3 cup plus 2 tsp. olive oil
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pint grape tomatoes, washed and dried
• 1-1/2 tsp. dried herbes de Provence
• 1/2 tsp. dehydrated minced or granulated garlic
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• Candied Walnuts

In a large salad bowl, toss the spinach and basil. Cut each slice of bacon into thirds. Cook in a medium skillet over medium to medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp; drain on paper towels. Reserve 1 Tbs. of the bacon fat. Crumble the bacon into pieces.

In a medium metal bowl, whisk the vinegar with the mustard. Slowly whisk in 1/3 cup of the oil and then whisk in the 1 Tbs. bacon fat. Season to taste with sea salt and pepper. Set aside in a warm place.

Position an oven rack as close as possible to the broiler element. Put a heavy-duty rimmed baking sheet on the rack and heat the broiler to high. Toss the  tomatoes with the remaining 2 tsp. olive oil, the herbes de Provence, dehydrated garlic, and kosher salt. Pour the tomatoes onto the hot pan and broil, stirring occasionally, until the skins are cracked and blistered and the flesh is warmed through, 4 to 5 minutes. Turn off the broiler. Transfer the tomatoes with a slotted spoon to the bowl with the salad dressing. Stir to coat and mix the seasonings into the dressing. Put the bowl in the oven to keep warm until ready to serve.

Just before serving, transfer the tomatoes from the dressing to another bowl with a slotted spoon. Whisk the dressing to recombine. Add half of the bacon to the greens. Drizzle the greens with 3 Tbs. of the dressing and toss lightly to  coat. Add more dressing only if needed; don’t overdress the salad. Mound the greens on four salad plates. Garnish with the tomatoes, the remaining bacon, and some of the candied walnuts (you’ll have leftovers for snacking). Serve immediately.

Chickpea and Spinach Salad

In this salad, the versatile chickpea goes exotic in a deeply spiced, aromatic lemon and cumin dressing. Fresh herbs punch it up with an unmistakable freshness, and spinach provides a tender bed. An orange-infused yogurt topping creates a cool, creamy contrast. Great as a side salad with grilled meat, it can also work as a vegetarian entrée.

• One 15.5-oz. cans chickpeas, preferably low-sodium, drained and rinsed
• 2 Tbs. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 2 Tbs. olive oil
• 2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp. finely grated lemon zest
• 3/4 tsp. ground cumin
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 3 Tbs. plain nonfat yogurt
• 1 Tbs. orange juice
• 1/4 tsp. finely grated orange zest
• 1/4 tsp. honey
• 2 oz. baby spinach leaves (about 2 cups lightly packed)
• 1 Tbs. coarsely chopped fresh mint

In a medium bowl, combine the chickpeas, parsley, and onion. In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, lemon juice and zest, cumin, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Pour the dressing over the chickpea mixture and toss to coat evenly. In another small bowl, stir together the yogurt, orange juice and zest, and honey.

Serve the chickpea salad over a bed of spinach leaves. Top with the yogurt sauce and garnish with the mint.

Portabello Mushrooms with Creamy Spinach-Artichoke Filling

This vegetarian main course brings together the addictive flavors of stuffed mushrooms and spinach and artichoke dip.

• 3 Tbs. olive oil 
• 3 medium cloves garlic, minced (1 Tbs.) 
• 4 medium portabello mushrooms, stemmed, gills removed
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 3 Tbs. mayonnaise  
• 1-1/2 tsp. fresh thyme
• 9 to 10 oz. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry 
• 9 oz. frozen artichokes, thawed, lightly squeezed dry, and chopped 
• 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs or panko  
• 1/3 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano 

Tip:

If you can’t find frozen artichoke hearts, substitute a 14-oz. can of artichoke hearts, drained and patted dry.

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 450°F.

In a small bowl, combine 2 Tbs. of the oil and about two-thirds of the minced garlic. Brush the insides of the mushroom caps with the garlic oil and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Arrange the mushrooms oiled side up on a rimmed baking sheet and roast until just tender, about 10 minutes. 

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and 1/2 tsp. of the thyme with the back of a wooden spoon. Stir in the spinach and artichokes and season to taste with salt and pepper. In another medium bowl, combine the remaining garlic, 1 Tbs. oil, and 1 tsp.  thyme with the breadcrumbs and cheese. 

Spoon the artichoke mixture evenly into the mushroom caps and sprinkle with the breadcrumb mixture. Bake until the crumbs are golden-brown and the filling is hot, about 10 minutes. Serve immediately.