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Indian Creamed Spinach with Coconut and Spices Recipe

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4.3 from 1 review

This Indian Style Creamed Spinach is a rich and aromatic side dish that combines fresh spinach with fragrant spices and creamy coconut milk. Easy to prepare, it makes a perfect accompaniment or a simple vegetarian meal when served with rice or flatbread.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings (about 1 cup each)

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 13.5oz. can full-fat coconut milk
  • 8 oz. fresh spinach
  • 1 yellow onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 Tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 large tomato
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 3/4 tsp salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Wilt Spinach: Add the coconut milk and spinach to a large pot. Stir and cook over medium heat until the coconut milk is warmed through and has wilted the spinach. Remove from heat promptly to avoid overcooking.
  2. Blend Mixture: Transfer the warm coconut milk and spinach into a blender. Pulse until the spinach is chopped into small pieces or blended smooth, depending on preference. Set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and add the onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the onions are soft, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add Spices: Stir in cumin, garam masala, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Cook the spices with the aromatics for about 2 minutes to release their flavors.
  5. Cook Tomato: Dice the tomato and add it to the skillet with 1/4 cup water. Stir frequently, dissolving any browned bits from the skillet, and cook until the tomato breaks down, about 5-8 minutes.
  6. Combine and Heat Through: Add the blended coconut spinach mixture to the skillet. Stir to combine and allow to heat through, stirring occasionally.
  7. Season: Taste the creamed spinach and add salt slowly to achieve the best flavor, starting with 1/4 teaspoon and increasing as needed, up to 3/4 teaspoon.

Notes

  • For a smoother texture, blend the spinach mixture until completely smooth.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper according to your heat preference or omit for milder flavor.
  • This dish pairs well with basmati rice or Indian flatbreads like naan or roti for a complete meal.
  • Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture, but frozen spinach can be substituted if pressed and drained well.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days and can be gently reheated.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Diet: Vegetarian