Green Leaf Jam (Moroccan style)

Every time of year brings some specific food cravings. Is it due to the weather or genetic factors, it's hard to say? On cold and snowy day such as yesterday in Vancouver, it is a natural human urge to look for something to warm their body and soul, like a good hot-chocolate or a winter flavoured mocha coffee. Or, something slightly different - in a way of great homemade slice of bread with some flavourful spreads and a slice of good cheese.

This Green Leaf Jam belongs to those pesto-type spreads, but lighter, and more sensational! It's easy to make, and compared to all other "old-fashion" preserves, this one could arguably be classified into the gourmet food category.

Recipe:

2 bunches of spinach leaves (250 gr)

3-4 tbs good olive oil

3-4 crushed cloves of garlic

1 tsp cumin seeds

1 bunch of parsley

handful of cilantro leafs (to the taste)

handful of good black olives (preferably just in oil- no vinegar)

1 tsp smoked paprika

squeezed juice of 1/2 lemon

salt and pepper to the taste

Cook spinach in a steamer until soft. Run cold water over and drain well to squeeze out all the excess water. Chop the leafs to very fine, to get almost a paste.

In a pot, heat 3/4 of the olive oil on a mild temperature and add garlic and cumin, to get a nutty aroma. Stir finely chopped olives, parsley, cilantro and paprika. Cook for about a minute, add spinach and cook more on a mild heat all together with stirring, approximately 10 minutes. Season and cool.

Transfer jam in a jar or glass container and cover with lemon juice and some remaining olive oil.