Malabar Spinach. A real treasure on our farm. It’s incredible how easily it grows and vines, and its leaves are buttery delicious!
Although it is not a “true” spinach, it certainly acts like it. It is packed with nutrients, and it shows up in our Laulima Salad Boost and Sauté Mixes!
One of our wwoofers came up with a beautiful recipe incorporating Malabar Spinach. Check it out:
Palak Recipe with Malabar Spinach
(Time: 40 minutes)
Ingredients:
1 bag Malabar spinach
(can do a blend of other greens of your liking)
1tsp ground cumin
1tsp ground coriander
1tsp red chili powder
Optional:
½ tsp grated fresh turmeric
1 tsp grated ginger
Directions:
Rinse the spinach to remove any dirt. Once washed, place the spinach in a pot with ¾ cup of water.
Cook on a low flame.
Once the spinach leaves lose their crispness and turn a darker green (~10 minutes), turn off the flame and let cool.
Transfer the cooled spinach and water to a blender, and blend until creamy (3-4 minutes).
Pour the blended spinach back into the pot, adding 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp coriander, and ½-1 tsp red chili powder.
Cook on low until the palak has reached the desired consistency (5-10 minutes depending on how much water you added).
Garnish with tadka (see recipe).
Optional: add ½ tsp grated fresh turmeric and ½-1 tsp grated ginger after turning off flame for an earthy, spicy flavor. Another option is to add cubed tofu or paneer along with the spices (after blending spinach) for a heartier dish.
Tadka garnish recipe
(Time: 5 minutes)
Ingredients:
2 tbs ghee or coconut oil
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp chili powder
Directions:
Heat 2 tbs ghee (or coconut oil) on a medium flame.
Add 1 tsp cumin seeds and 1 tsp chili powder.
Cook until chili powder blooms, then pour over your dish.
Meal suggestion:
Palak
Pulao (rice and vegetable entree)
Raita (spiced yogurt with cucumber)
Dal
Laulima Garden ‘Ohana is the educational garden branch of our larger non-profit Maui ‘Ohana Collective, which serves the community by way of providing Homeschool Resource Services, Hawaiian Cultural Education, and Alternative Health & Special Education by way of ‘Ohana Lapa ‘au. Help us by donating.
