Spinach/Cheera Thoran

Spinach Thoran is very nutritious and tasty. My husband loves Spinach Thoran though he is not fond of spinach in other forms. I mostly use frozen spinach for convenience but fresh spinach gives a wonderful flavor when compared to the frozen one. Cleaning and chopping Fresh Spinach can be time taking.

Cheera Thoran - Sauteed Spinach

Ingredients

1. Cleaned and Chopped Spinach/Frozen Spinach – 5 Cups
2. Sliced Shallots (Kunjulli/Pearl Onions) – 1/2 cup
3. Crushed Garlic – 4 or 5 cloves
4. Dry Red Chillies – 4
5. Salt – As Required
6. Oil – 2 tbsp
7. Mustard Seeds – 1/2 tsp
8. Curry Leaves – A sprig

For grinding

1. Grated Coconut  – 1 Cup
2. Cumin (Jeera) – 1/4 tsp
3. Slit Green Chillies – 2
4. Turmeric – A pinch

Preparation Method

1. Grind coconut, green chillies, turmeric powder and cumin into a coarse paste.
2. Combine the chopped spinach with some salt and keep aside.
3. If you are using frozen spinach, sprinkle salt, cover and microwave for 3-4 minutes and drain away excess water.
4. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a non stick pan and splutter mustard seeds. Add shallots, garlic, dry red chillies, curry leaves and saute for a few minutes.
5. Add the chopped spinach and mix everything. Cover and cook for 5 minutes stirring occasionally.
6. Spread out the spinach so that the water evaporates easily. When the water has almost evaporated, add the coconut mixture and combine everything together. Add more salt if needed.
7. Cover the pan and cook on low flame for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally or until the spinach is cooked.
8. Remove the lid and stir fry carefully for another 2-3 minutes so that all water evaporates and the spinach is not soggy.