KEERAI MASIYAL/ PURÉED GREENS- MY MOM’S METHOD

This is my favorite greens dish. My mom usually makes this on weekends to go along with fish. The ingredients used here are very less and my mom only uses amaranth greens for this dish. I couldn’t find those here in US, so I have used baby spinach. Baby spinach is very mild and doesn’t taste bitter. Any other greens like Swiss chard or regular spinach can also be used, but bitter-tasting greens should be avoided since tamarind is not used here.

INGREDIENTS:

1. Greens like amaranth or spinach, 1 big bunch.

2. Garlic, 1 clove.

3. Green chilies, 2.

4. Salt, as per taste.

5. Dried red chilies, 2.

6. Cumin seeds, ¼ teaspoon.

7. Mustard seeds, ¼ teaspoon.

8. Grated or dried coconut, ¼ cup. (low-fat dried coconut powder can also be used here)

PREPARATION:

Clean the greens well and remove the thick stalks. The greens need not be chopped. Peel the garlic and keep aside. Steam the greens along with the garlic and green chilies by adding a little bit of water. I usually add everything in a pan and let it simmer closed for 5-10 minutes until the water evaporates and the greens wilt. Let it cool. Once cooled add the contents to a blender, along with some and grated coconut and blend into smooth paste. If needed, some water can be added for the desired consistency. Transfer the contents to a bowl. Heat a small pan with a tablespoon of oil. When the oil is hot enough, add the mustard seeds and let it splutter. Then add the cumin seeds and dried red chilies (can be broken or left whole) and fry for a few seconds. Pour the seasonings over the pureed greens, mix well, and serve with rice.