Cheera Thoran | Red Spinach Stir Fry

Cheera(red spinach) is highly nutritious and iron rich veggie. Local markets in Kerala have this veggie always and this makes a very healthy stir fry. I love to just mix this stir fry with some steamed rice, tastes delicious. This is a very simple stir fry and the only time taken is to clean and chop the leaves. I had this red spinach in my small kitchen garden and so totally enjoyed this veg stir fry frequently.  Do try it out if get some this fresh leaves.

Preparation time~20 minutes
Cooking time~10 minutes
Serves ~ a small bowl
Ingredients
Cheera /red spinach a bunch
shallots 4-5
green chilli 2-3 vertical sliced
turmeric powder 1/4 tsp
ghee 1tsp(optional)
coconut oil 2 tsp
mustard seeds 1/2 tsp
salt to taste
curry leaves a sprig

to coarsely grind
coconut 1/3 cup

Method

• Chop off  about 4" above the roots,if you get it with roots. That portion near the roots is hard stem and doesn't taste good in stir fry. Wash the remaining red spinach under running water 4-5 times ot till the water is clear. Drain water completely.
• Chop the leaves fine and add the sliced shallot,green chillies. Mix it with some turmeric powder.
• Heat oil in  a pan and add mustard seeds.When it splutters,add curry leaves. Transfer the chopped spinach mix,toss well.
• Cover and cook for 3 minutes. Uncover the lid,add salt at this point and mix well. Add the coarsely ground coconut mixture. Add and  cover the mix again for 5 minutes.
• Uncover the lid, add the ghee and mix well. Wait till the moisture is dried up, check salt and adjust accordingly.
• Enjoy with steamed rice.

NOTES
* Add salt only once the leaves are wilted as you may end up adding more salt once its chopped. The wilted leaves are reduced considerably.
* Adding ghee is optional,adds a nice flavor to the stir fry(my mom's tip).
* You can add 1/2 tsp chilli powder instead of green chilli too.