Spinach stir fry / Palakura talimpu

Countless moms urge their children to eat greens pointing at Popeye, the sailor. As a child, I used to watch it. I still remember Popeye saying 'I'm Popeye the Sailorman, I'm strong to the finish, cause I eats my spinach, I'm Popeye the Sailorman...' which brings me back to todays recipe -

Ingredients

spinach - 1 bunch chopped

roasted chickpea/putnala pappu powder - 2 tsp

salt

olive oil

For poppu/tadka/tempering:

mustard seeds - 1/2 tsp

cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp

urad dal - 1 tsp

Garlic - 4-5 cloves grated

Pepper powder - 1/3 tsp

Steps

1. Heat the oil in a pan. Add the mustard seeds and once they splutter, add the cumin seeds and urad dal. Once it turns golden brown add the spinach and mix it so that it gets coated with olive oil. Saute for a minute or two.

2. Add salt, pepper, chickpea powder and garlic. Saute for a couple of more minutes.

Serving ideas

This dish makes an excellent side. It is also good with rice or chapathis.

Meal Today: Mango dal rice with spinach stir fry

Tips

Try not to overcook the spinach. Add garlic at the end to retain the garlicy aroma and flavour.

Use puff pastry to make small rounds or samosas with this as a filling and bake. It tastes good accompanied by tomato salsa and chat masala.