| Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 20 mins – 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 306 | 25g | 15g | 19g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 3g | 5g | 0.32g |
It’s easy to fall in love with natural flavors when you grow up in sunny California, as I did. I’m excited to share with you one of my favorite vegetable-based recipes, the Malabar Spinach and Coconut Curry. This dish is not just a feast for your taste buds but also offers a harmonious blend of nutritional goodness. Picture this – leafy Malabar spinach simmered in a rich coconut sauce with a hint of spice, a touch of tanginess, and a dash of warmth from the mustard seeds. Marvel at the vibrancy of the dish in this image:
A Love Affair with Vegetables
As a lover of fresh salads and healthful dishes, this Malabar Spinach and Coconut Curry recipe resonates with me on many levels. It unites some of my favorite things – greens, coconut, and a hint of spice. I mean, who can resist the lush allure of Malabar spinach pared with the tropical embrace of coconut? To top it off, its array of spices introduce a variety of flavors, culminating in a dish that’s as pleasurable to eat as it is healthful.
Incredible Health Benefits
Moving beyond the taste, let’s delve into the powerhouse of health benefits this curry brings. Malabar spinach is a treasure trove of nutrients, particularly rich in Vitamin A and C. It’s also packed with antioxidants, which help strengthen your immune system and neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. Moreover, the coconut milk and oil used in the recipe are rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) which are known to have several health benefits, including weight loss and brain function improvement.
Pairing Ideas
This curry adds a different spin to your healthy meatless Mondays, but it also pairs perfectly with a number of dishes. It beautifully complements a bowl of warm basmati rice, but you could also pair it with traditional Indian flatbreads like naan or chapati. If you prefer a more adventurous culinary trial, try serving it with garlic cauliflower rice to create a power-packed, low-carb meal.
Friends, this Malabar Spinach and Coconut Curry is a naturally vegan and gluten-free dish. It’s a wonderful recipe to have on your menu rotation, especially if you’re trying to incorporate more plant-based recipes into your diet, just like I did when raising my three adopted children. Allow me to assure you, this scrumptious curry is a sure hit with kids and adults alike. None of my California-inspired gourmet creations have been able to resist the charm of Malabar spinach combined with gratefully grated coconut in this aromatic Indian curry!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups Malabar Spinach, washed and chopped
- 1 cup grated Coconut
- 1 Green Chili, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
- 2 Dry Red Chilies
- 3 Garlic Cloves, chopped
- 2 teaspoon Coconut Oil
- 1 Onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Tamarind Pulp
- 1/2 cup Coconut Milk
- Salt, to taste
- Few Curry Leaves
Method
Step One
First, you need to prepare the coconut paste. For this, add the grated coconut, green chili, turmeric powder, garlic, and a little water into a blender. Blend them until you get a smooth paste. Keep this aside for later use.
Step Two
Take a pan and heat the coconut oil in it. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds. Allow them to crackle before proceeding to the next step.
Step Three
Now, add the dry red chilies and curry leaves. Sauté them well until they start to release their aroma.
Step Four
Add the finely chopped onions and sauté them until they become transparent and soft.
Step Five
Next, add the chopped Malabar Spinach to the pan. Sauté it until it wilts. This will usually take around 5-6 minutes.
Step Six
Add the prepared coconut paste and mix it well with the spinach. Sauté for another couple of minutes.
Step Seven
Now, add the tamarind pulp, the coconut milk, and salt according to your taste. Stir well and let it simmer for around 10-15 minutes.
Step Eight
Finally, check the seasoning and adjust if required. Once done, remove the pan from heat.
Step Nine
Your Malabar Spinach and Coconut Curry is ready. Serve it hot with rice or bread.
