All About Malabar Spinach
Malabar spinach isn’t quite spinach at all. It’s a perennial, climbing vine that grows thick, meaty leaves that just happen to look and taste quite a bit like spinach, especially when cooked. Native to India and Indonesia, the plant thrives in hot, humid environments (look out East Texas!), and can grow up to 30 feet long.
In season: summer, autumn.
Trivia
- Malabar spinach’s Chinese name translates roughly to “flowing water vegetable.”
- In herbal medicine, the raw leaves are chewed to relieve the pain of mouth ulcers.
- Like many dark green vegetables, Malabar spinach is full of vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium, and is a rich source of fiber.
Storage
Store in a plastic bag in the fridge to prevent the leaves from drying out. Wash just before use under cold, running water.
Cooking Lore
Malabar spinach doesn’t wilt as fast as many other greens, and stands up for itself well in soups, stir fries, and curries. It’s peppery citrus flavor pairs well with lime, chilis, and garlic, and especially shines in South Asian cooking featuring coconut and ginger. Or try it in a simple braise with bacon and onion as you would with collard greens.
Recipes
Coming Soon!
Malabar does extremely well in North and East Texas. Probably all the way down to Houston, and over to the edge of the “green” line on a satellite map. Further, if you have crated a microclimate.
Love it in a lentil and rice “stew” with curry powder, turmeric, and cumin. This dish cures colds. (not proven, only speculative based on personal experience)
Just wanted to share a Kale recipe!!
Honey Curried Kale
Bunch of Kale
a little olive oil
1 onion (thinly sliced)
1 T curry
1 T honey
1 t lemon juice
1/4 C of water.
Heat olive oil in pan. Add onion.
Cook until onion is brown & carmelized.
While onion is cooking, cut stems from kale and cut/tear into large pieces
Stir in curry, honey, lemon juice.
Add kale & water.
Stir together and let kale cook until wilted but still a bit chewy (approx. 5 min)
DONE!
So yummy & easy!
How simple. Thanks Jackie!
I had never even heard about this stuff until I received some in my share. I LOVE it!!