I first tried this recipe in the Yondu Test Kitchen in New York City’s Seaport district earlier this year. Chef Jaume Biarnes, who moved from Barcelona to New York a couple of years ago, explained that preparing spinach this way was a Catalan speciality and the result did not disappoint.
Both the ingredients and the instructions are simple and easy to follow, but the finished dish is so good, you’ll want to make it over and over again. I know because I’ve been making it at least once a week since I first tried it! So without further ado, here’s how you can make it too:
Umami Spinach Pasta (Catalan Style)
(Recipe serves 2)
Ingredients:
- 7oz pasta of your choice (dry weight, we used rigatoni, but spaghetti works well too!)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/3 cup whole almonds
- 1 tbsp Yondu umami seasoning sauce (start with 1-2 tsp and then add more if need be) TIP: GET 20% OFF your Yondu order with the code 20VEGANLOVE
- 3-4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 3-4oz fresh spinach (baby spinach or chopped)
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1 handful fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 pinch chili flakes (optional)
Chef Jaume’s Tip: Use Aleppo chili flakes, they have the same depth of flavor, but are a little milder when it comes to their spiciness.
Directions:
- Start by cooking the pasta according to package instruction and make sure you reserve about 1/4 -1/3 cup of the pasta water.
- Next, sauté the sliced garlic in the olive oil a large pan over medium heat for just about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the almonds and toast them alongside the garlic for another minute or two.
- Add the pasta, spinach and raisins and a little pasta water to the pan and cook until the spinach has significantly reduced in size without overcooking it (about 2 minutes).
- Remove from heat and mix in the Yondu.
- Serve with fresh parsley and chili flakes and enjoy!
Click here for more vegan umami recipes using Yondu.
RECIPE VIDEO | WATCH OUR SENIOR EDITOR SAM MAKE THIS RECIPE:
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What is Yondu?
It’s a vegan seasoning sauce that adds umami flavor to all your favorite savory dishes. You can use it instead of fish sauce, miso & soy sauce and when you mix it with water, it makes a delicious vegan broth.
What is umami?
It’s the 5th flavor next to sweet, sour, salty and bitter. It’s what makes dishes taste savory.
Disclaimer: This recipe is sponsored by Yondu. You can find Yondu in select stores in the New York area and/or order it online (click here).
Recipe: Jaume Biarnes.
Text & Photography: Kim-Julie Hansen.
