Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Spicy Coconut Spinach


Easy-peasy and absolutely delicious South Indian-style spinach. Takes 10 minutes to throw together and is sweet, spicy, and savory all at the same time. From 101cookbooks, with adjustments.

1 shallot, minced
1 large clove of garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt
1-2 tablespoons canola oil
1/2 teaspoon yellow mustard seeds
1/2 teaspoon whole cumin seeds
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3-4 big handfuls spinach
4 tablespoons unsweetened coconut, lightly toasted (you can toast the coconut by putting it into a pan, with no oil, then gently heating it until it starts to turn light brown and smells delicious)

Heat the oil in a big pan. Once it's nice and hot, add the mustard seeds. When they start popping all over the place (BE CAREFUL! they're hot!), add the cumin seeds and stir so they don't burn. Cook for about 20 seconds, then sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and cook for another 10 seconds or so. Add the garlic and shallot and saute for about 1 minute, or until it starts to turn translucent. Then, add the spinach and sprinkle on the salt. Cook just until it wilts but is still bright green. Sprinkle on the coconut before serving.

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