Discover the versatility of Malabar spinach, a popular leafy green in South Asia and Southeast Asia, as we explore a range of mouth-watering recipes that showcase its unique texture and flavor. From savory stir-fries to comforting soups, this list is packed with inspiration for using Malabar spinach in your everyday cooking. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious addition to your morning quiche or a flavorful component in your evening salad, these recipes are sure to delight.
And did you know that Malabar spinach can be enjoyed raw, massaged with coconut oil and tossed into a salad, or cooked down to add depth to sautéed dishes? Its sturdy texture and striking red stems make it a standout addition to any meal.
Best Malabar Spinach Recipes
Malabar Spinach Tambli
This refreshing blend of yogurt, spices, and Malabar spinach is a popular choice during the summer months. Its creamy texture and subtle flavor make it an ideal accompaniment to a warm serving of white rice. If you don’t plan to consume this dish immediately, consider omitting the yogurt to prevent spoilage. The recipe’s core ingredients are Malabar spinach, cumin seeds, grated coconut, red chilies, and ghee, which work together to create a harmonious balance of flavors.
Sautéed Malabar Spinach With Roasted Sesame
Transforming a sautéed Malabar spinach curry into an aromatic delight requires a thoughtful blend of flavors. Consider substituting coconut oil for the traditional cooking medium to infuse the dish with a rich, creamy essence that echoes Indian cuisine’s signature style. The roasted sesame seeds will already have imparted a nutty depth, and the addition of coconut oil will only enhance this dimension.
For those who prefer a more subtle approach, omitting the coriander powder won’t compromise the overall flavor profile. With ingredients like Malabar spinach, sesame seeds, curry leaves, turmeric powder, and cilantro at your disposal, the possibilities for creating a harmonious blend are endless.
Bengali Style Malabar Spinach
Indulge in the delightful combination of Malabar spinach, eggplant, and potatoes, which will leave you feeling fully satisfied. The possibilities don’t end there – feel free to add your favorite vegetables, succulent shrimp, or flaky fish to give it an extra boost of flavor. For those looking to take their culinary journey to new heights, consider incorporating a fish head into the recipe for a truly immersive experience.
And if you’re not quite ready to venture that far out of your comfort zone, don’t worry – shrimp is always a reliable and delicious choice. This hearty dish requires just a few key ingredients: Malabar spinach, eggplant, potatoes, green chilies, and ghee.
Stir Fried Malabar Spinach
Indulge in the simplicity of a flavorful dish that combines the unique taste of Malabar spinach with the pungency of garlic. This effortless recipe is perfect for days when you’re feeling laid-back, requiring only a few key ingredients: the star of the show being Malabar spinach, accompanied by aromatic garlic, savory soy sauce, and a hint of vegetable oil.
Malabar Spinach Stir Fry (Vali Upakari)
Indulge in the simplicity of India with this quintessential dish that transports you to a bygone era. A symphony of flavors, it’s a culinary journey that won’t overwhelm your senses. The best part? It can easily be transformed into a soothing soup by adding a bit more water.The essence of this recipe lies in its humble ingredients: Malabar spinach, pungent garlic, fiery red chilies, a pinch of salt, and the richness of grated coconut.
Malabar Spinach And Wild Mushroom Stir-fry
In just six minutes, you can whip up a delectable stir-fry that’s as quick as it is satisfying. The star of the show are the wild mushrooms, whose earthy flavor and meaty texture perfectly complement the tender Malabar spinach. When served with a side of fluffy white rice, this dish becomes a well-rounded and flavorful meal. For this recipe, you’ll need Malabar spinach, wild mushrooms, grapeseed oil, soy sauce, and ginger.
Malabar Spinach Dal
One way to add some variety to your Indian-inspired meals is by whipping up a quick and easy side dish that complements the flavors of your main courses. This particular recipe is a great accompaniment to a range of dishes, from rich curries to fragrant basmati rice. Not only can it be enjoyed as a side, but it also pairs wonderfully with a warm naan or over a bed of fluffy white rice.
Malabar Spinach Soup
As I take my spoon to the comforting bowl of spinach, shrimp, and savory broth, I’m immediately struck by the delightful texture depth it brings. The combination of tender shrimp, silky malabar spinach, and a rich yet understated broth creates a harmonious balance that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just need a pick-me-up, this soothing soup is sure to hit the spot.
The key ingredients include malabar spinach, chicken bullion, mushroom bullion, and a hint of garlic, all working together in perfect harmony to create a truly satisfying meal.
Malabar Spinach Curry (Valchya Bhajjiche Tonak)
Indulge in a simple yet flavorful culinary experience with this traditional curry recipe, characterized by its subtle blend of spices. Unlike complex curries, this one is a breeze to prepare and yields equally impressive results. For those seeking an uncomplicated take on the classic dish, this is the perfect option. The key ingredients include Malabar spinach, jaggery, tamarind, grated coconut, and red chilies.
Malabar Spinach With Curds
Are you tired of constantly stressing about your dishes going cold? Well, worry no more! This particular dish is perfectly suited for serving at room temperature, eliminating the need to rush back and forth from the oven. What’s more, it’s a delicious bowl of creamy greens that will tantalize your taste buds.
The combination of ingredients, including Malabar spinach, curds, curry leaves, mustard seeds, and cumin seeds, comes together to create a culinary masterpiece that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Malabar Spinach Chutney
Experience the harmonious blend of flavors in this unique chutney recipe, where the subtle sweetness of Malabar spinach meets the tanginess of tamarind and the richness of jaggery. This heavenly sauce is perfect for elevating your Indian breakfast or adding a burst of flavor to other dishes.
The combination of ingredients – including tender Malabar spinach, sweet jaggery, sour tamarind, spicy chili, and creamy coconut oil – creates a truly divine taste experience that will leave you craving more. Serve this delectable sauce with your favorite Indian breakfast dishes and discover the joy of culinary exploration.
Malabar Spinach Soup (Chan Choy Tong)
The essence of this soup is its harmonious blend of flavors, where every ingredient contributes to a culinary symphony that will leave you craving more. The combination of Malabar spinach, ground pork, dried anchovies, salted duck egg, and pungent garlic creates a rich tapestry of taste that’s both familiar and exciting. What’s more, this soup is remarkably easy to prepare – simply combine the ingredients in a pot, bring it to a boil, and let the magic unfold.
African Groundnut Stew (Made With Peanut Butter)
Peanut butter in soups may seem like an unconventional combination, but this African-inspired recipe is sure to surprise you. This creamy twist takes advantage of the rich flavor of peanut butter instead of ground nuts, resulting in a truly delicious and unique dish. The ingredient list features a mix of Malabar spinach, chicken, tomatoes, peanut butter, and okra, which all come together to create a hearty and satisfying meal.
Shawarma Greens
Indulge in a flavorful adventure with this innovative dish that satisfies your cravings for shawarma. A creative twist on the classic, it combines the essence of greens infused with shawarma’s signature spices, accompanied by a tangy dollop of yogurt. The aroma of star anise and warm undertones of nutmeg transport you to a world of autumnal delights.
To bring this sensory experience to life, blend Malabar spinach with shawarma spices, star anise, nutmeg, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a truly unforgettable culinary journey.
Tomato And Malabar Spinach Quiche
Indulge in a delightful breakfast or brunch with a savory egg custard pie, bursting with flavors from the Malabar spinach, juicy tomatoes, and melted shredded cheddar cheese. The creamy egg mixture is perfectly complemented by the flaky pie crust, making for a satisfying and light morning meal. Whether you’re looking to start your day off right or fuel up for a lazy Sunday brunch, this recipe is sure to please.
Simply combine Malabar spinach, tomatoes, eggs, shredded cheddar cheese, and store-bought or homemade pie crust to create a dish that’s as easy as it is delicious.
Spinach Nectarine Salad
Imagine a symphony of flavors and textures coming together in perfect harmony. A vibrant medley of fresh ingredients, carefully curated to tantalize your taste buds. The star of the show is Malabar spinach, its slightly sweet and earthy undertones perfectly balanced by the juicy sweetness of nectarines. Crunchy almonds add a satisfying texture, while field greens and cucumbers provide a refreshing crunch.
This delightful salad is not just a feast for the eyes, but a culinary experience that’s sure to leave you wanting more.
The ingredients are simple yet elegant: Malabar spinach, nectarines, almonds, balsamic vinegar, and honey. It’s a match made in heaven, with each component working together in perfect harmony to create a truly special dish. Whether served as a light lunch or a colorful addition to a summer dinner party, this salad is sure to be the star of the show.
Vietnamese Spinach And Beef Soup
The warmth of a hearty soup can be incredibly comforting. With its rich flavors and soothing texture, it’s no wonder why this classic dish remains a staple in many households. The simplicity of its preparation belies its deep flavor profile, making it an ideal choice for a quick and satisfying meal.
To create a bowl full of that inviting broth, start by combining Malabar spinach, ground beef, chicken bullion, fish sauce, and garlic in a pot.
Let the aromas meld together as you simmer this savory mixture to perfection.
Malabar Spinach With Moong Dal
Indulge in a comforting and wholesome vegetable stew that combines the unique flavor of Malabar spinach with the nutritious goodness of moong dal. The moong dal adds a satisfying depth to the dish, while the Malabar spinach infuses it with a pop of freshness.
This hearty stew is a perfect blend of flavors, textures, and nutrients. It’s a bowl full of rich, velvety goodness that will warm your senses.
To prepare this delightful dish, you’ll need some essential ingredients: Malabar spinach, moong dal, chilies, turmeric, and cumin.
Malabar Spinach (Basale Thoran)
In just 10 minutes, you can whip up a delicious and healthy vegetable dish that’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. The key to this recipe is the blend of flavors from the ground spices and the Malabar spinach. To make it, start by grinding together the coconut and spices into a coarse mixture. Then, combine it with the Malabar spinach and you’re ready to go. Serve it hot over a flavorful serving of rice for a truly satisfying meal.
Malabar Spinach Curry
Savoring the Flavors of India: A Delicious Curry Recipe to Delight Your Senses Curry lovers rejoice! This mouthwatering recipe is a sensory experience that will leave you craving more. The vibrant orange hue of the curry sauce, the tender texture of the vegetables, and the inviting aroma all combine to create a culinary masterpiece. To fully appreciate this dish, pair it with some fluffy rice, savory rice dumplings, or crispy roti. So what makes this recipe so special?
A unique blend of ingredients including Malabar spinach, unripe papaya, turmeric, jaggery, and dry beans. Let your taste buds take a journey to the heart of India with every bite.
Roasted Sweet Potato And Malabar Spinach Salad
A symphony of sensations unfolds with each bite of this dish, as a delightful interplay of textures harmonizes on the palate. The velvety softness of the sweet potato is beautifully juxtaposed against the snappy crispness of the Malabar spinach, all expertly tied together by the rich flavors of the dressing.
Malabar Spinach With Fish Stir Fry
For a delightful combination of flavors and textures, try incorporating fish into a flavorful stir-fry with Malabar spinach. The shredded fish coats the leafy greens perfectly, ensuring each bite is packed with protein-rich goodness. This dish is perfect for using up leftover fish when you’re stuck for inspiration. To make it, combine Malabar spinach, shredded fish, garam masala, urad dal, and cumin powder for a harmonious blend of spices and nutrients.
Malabar Spinach Mishmash With Prawns
Indulge in a flavorful fusion of prawns, vegetables, and aromatic spices that will leave you feeling satisfied. The addition of tender Malabar spinach harmonizes the rich flavors of succulent prawns, potatoes, and roasted squash, creating a delightful culinary experience.
This nutritious dish is perfect for a midday pick-me-up or as a hearty meal to energize your body.
To prepare this mouthwatering delight, you’ll need a few simple ingredients: Malabar spinach, plump prawns, chunky potatoes, roasted pumpkin, and the distinctive warmth of Bengali five spices powder.
Malabar Spinach And Raw Papaya Ambat
Indulge in the harmonious union of textures and tastes as a rich coconut-based gravy wraps around tender Malabar spinach and sweet papaya. The symphony of contrasting flavors creates an electrifying experience for the palate. This delectable accompaniment is perfect to pair with your favorite rice, roti, or bread.
To recreate this culinary delight, you’ll need a medley of ingredients: Malabar spinach, raw papaya, grated coconut, tamarind paste, and split pigeon peas.
Malabar Spinach And Prawn Curry
Indulge in the harmonious blend of succulent prawns, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic spices as this delectable curry recipe brings a flavorful twist to your Indian food spread. The combination of tender prawns, Malabar spinach, roasted pumpkin, and crispy potato is a match made in heaven. To create this culinary masterpiece, simply combine the following ingredients: succulent prawns, fragrant garam masala, nutritious Malabar spinach, cubed pumpkin, and diced potato.
Malabar Spinach Pakora
Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors and textures with fried patties of Malabar spinach. Not only are they a treat to savor, but they’re also packed with nutrients. These crispy morsels make for an excellent start to any meal, serving as a satisfying appetizer that’s sure to leave you wanting more.
To create these tasty treats, you’ll need the following ingredients: a generous helping of Malabar spinach, rice flour, turmeric powder, curd, and bengal gram flour.
Simply combine them in the right proportions and fry until golden brown for a snack that’s as healthy as it is delicious.
Malabar Spinach Salad (Ensaladang Alugbati)
Indulge in the flavors of the Philippines with this revitalizing side salad recipe. With its versatility to pair well with any main dish, it’s a must-have addition to your next meal.
nThe tangy essence of apple cider vinegar beautifully complements the Malabar spinach, creating a delightful taste experience for your palate. You can also enjoy it alongside some simple white rice.
nThe recipe is straightforward and requires only a few ingredients: Malabar spinach, juicy tomatoes, sweet honey, rich olive oil, and the star of the show – apple cider vinegar.
Malabar Spinach With Black Eyed Beans
Indulge in a mouthwatering vegetable delight from Mangalore, crafted with simplicity and speed. This delectable recipe requires mere 10 minutes of cooking time before it’s ready to be savored. To ensure the dish remains flavorful and aromatic, be mindful not to overcook the spices, as this can result in an unpleasant bitterness.
The essential ingredients for this culinary delight include Malabar spinach, black-eyed peas, turmeric powder, tamarind, and grated coconut, all of which work harmoniously together to create a truly unforgettable gastronomic experience.
Malabar Spinach Sambar
This iconic curry dish hails from South Canara, where its unique blend of flavors has won the hearts of many. Not only is it a feast for the eyes with its vibrant colors, but also a treat for the taste buds. To elevate this dish to new heights, serve it with an abundance of toasted garlic slices, allowing their distinct texture and aroma to meld harmoniously with each bite.
The recipe requires a medley of ingredients, including the exotic Malabar spinach, tangy tamarind extract, creamy coconut, earthy cumin seeds, and sweet jaggery.
The bottom line
As we conclude our culinary adventure, we’d like to express our gratitude for joining us in exploring the versatility of Malabar spinach.
With its unique characteristics and uses now fresh in your mind, the next time you encounter this intriguing leafy green at an Asian market or elsewhere, don’t hesitate to give it a try.
Whether referred to as Malabar Spinach, Indian spinach, Ceylon spinach, vine spinach, climbing spinach, or simply ‘whatever they end up calling it’, you’re now equipped with the confidence to experiment and create your own delicious dishes.
Remember to revisit this guide whenever you get your hands on some Malabar spinach, and let your culinary creativity shine!
More Spinach Recipes
This collection of Malabar spinach recipes showcases the versatility of this leafy green in a variety of dishes, from vibrant salads to comforting soups. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious addition to your meals or a flavorful twist on traditional favorites, these recipes are sure to inspire.
Instructions
With the array of delicious Malabar Spinach recipes at our fingertips, the possibilities are endless! Feel free to put your own creative spin on these dishes and watch as they become a staple in your culinary repertoire. The sense of accomplishment that comes from preparing a homemade meal is truly unbeatable. If you’re as thrilled with this list as we are, be sure to spread the word by sharing it with your friends and family across all your favorite social platforms!
