I hated leafy vegetables while growing up.

Because they didn’t taste like chocolates, pastries, and fried chicken for me. Hence, my taste buds did not approve of them!

But as I moved out of my house for higher studies, I soon realized how healthy my mom’s food was and how she was so RIGHT about eating leafy veggies.

Sounds relatable, right?

We realize the importance of good things (and good food) when we lose access to them. If you are sailing on the same boat

• looking for easy and healthy vegetarian recipes and
• wants to break free from the vicious cycle of unhealthy eating

Then you are at the right place.

In this blog, I will share a simple red spinach recipe that you can enjoy either with rice or roti. Additionally, I will also share its benefits and nutrition.

So, let us begin.

Red spinach recipe in detail for you

Before we start with the recipe, let us know – what is red spinach?

Red spinach (Amaranthus dubius), also known as Chinese spinach, spleen amaranth is native to the West Indies, South America, and Mexico. 

However, now it is valued as a nutritious leafy vegetable throughout Southeast Asia and Africa. Thanks to its dense content of nutrients in the form of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber.

The next question that might come into your mind is “Where can I buy red spinach?”

You will find them in the local stores and supermarkets. These are sold as bunches (like green spinach and coriander leaves), and if you have a nuclear family, 3 to 4 bunches of red spinach would be sufficient.

Now let us learn how to cook red spinach by following the below steps:

Washing/cleaning of red spinach

This is the most critical step. 

Why?

The bunches of red spinach you purchase from the market will have a load of dust, mud, and pesticide residue.

Therefore, it is necessary to clean them thoroughly before chopping. If you find more impurities, cut open the bunches and soak them in the water for 15 to 30 minutes so that all the dirt goes into the water.

Later, wash and rinse the red spinach leaves 2- 3 times until you get the clear water while rinsing.

Prepare the ingredients

The next step is to chop the cleaned red spinach leaves. You can finely chop them or coarsely, as per your preference. Then, take one medium-sized onion and tomato and finely chop them. If you want to give a spicy punch to your red spinach recipe, you can add 1 to 2 green chilies.

Let the cooking begin

Take 2 to 3 tbsp of oil in a container (I would recommend coconut oil, as it gives a distinct flavor to your dish). Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn transparent.

Then add the chopped tomatoes, 1 tsp of salt, and then sauté. Once a smooth mixture of onion and tomato is formed, add the following

–    chopped 1 to 2 green chilies (optional)

–    ½ tsp of red chili powder

–    ½ tsp of turmeric powder

–    1 tsp of coriander powder

Sauté this mixture until all the spices are blended well and their raw aroma disappears. You can add ¼ cup of water to prevent the mixture from burning.

Now, who loves coconut here? I LOVE it for sure. Most of the South Indian recipes have this ingredient. So, why not use it in your red spinach recipe?

Once the onion-tomato mixture is ready, add 2 to 3 tbsp of freshly grated coconut and sauté until the mixture becomes dry and releases the aroma of roasted coconut. This addition gives your dish a crunchy texture.

Now comes the turn of chopped red spinach. Add it to the container and mix with the onion-tomato base thoroughly. Then add salt to taste, ½ cup of water, and keep it for 6-7 minutes under medium flame.

You need not add much water as the red spinach will release its water content while cooking. After 6 to 7 minutes, reduce the flame and sauté your dish. If you feel it’s still raw, you can cook for a few more minutes.

The next part is tempering. In a separate pan, add 1-2 tbsp of oil. Once the oil is heated, add ½ tsp of cumin and ½ tsp of mustard seeds. Once they begin to crackle, add the crushed 2 to 3 garlic cloves. 

When these cloves turn golden brown in color, add 3 to 4 curry leaves and fry them until they attain a crispy texture. You can add one dry red chili if you want a pleasing aroma.

Once the tempering is done, add this to the red spinach dish and mix it well. Add the salt to taste, and your simple and healthy red spinach dish is ready to be savored.

In another method, you can add all the ingredients (chopped onion, tomato, red spinach, salt, and spices as shown above) along with ½ cup of water in a container and cook it. Once the vegetables are cooked, add the tempering mixture, and garnish with the fresh grated coconut. If you have less time to cook, you can use this method.

In addition to this red spinach recipe, you can prepare a quick red spinach salad as well by adding ingredients such as – green spinach, cucumber, capsicum, tomato, and pomegranate. This would make a great salad to complement your meals.

So, if someone asks you – how to eat red spinach? You know the answer.

Now let us look at the red spinach benefits that make this low-calorie veggie a must-try.

Benefits of red spinach

A powerhouse of nutrients 

When you look at the red spinach nutrition factors, you will see a rich amount of micronutrients such as vitamins K, A, C, iron, calcium, and magnesium. These help promote your immunity and bone health, respectively.

Offers the goodness of antioxidants

Have you ever wondered why is red spinach red in color? The credit goes to antioxidants called anthocyanins. These are well-versed in killing harmful free radicals, eliminating oxidative stress, and the risk of chronic illness. Also, these phytochemicals and antioxidants prevent inflammation in your body.

Promotes healthy heart and eyes

The higher amount of potassium and nitrate ensures your blood flow is normal and you are safe from high blood pressure. Also, zeaxanthin and lutein fight against the chances of cataracts and other age-related issues.

Helps in maintaining a happy gut

The fiber present in the red spinach prevents constipation and aids in better digestion. In addition, you can add this veggie to your diet that helps in keeping your gut health in check.

Low-calorie advantage

The red spinach can be a great fit in your diet if you are into weight management. Being low in calories and high in fiber and nutrients makes red spinach one of the best leafy vegetables for weight loss. Like red spinach, you can add another low-calorie vegetable brinjal to your diet, and you will not be disappointed. Find its recipes here.

I am sure, these red spinach uses will make you add this veggie into your shopping list.
Here you go! I hope you learned something new about red spinach from this blog. Are you going to try this red spinach recipe? Let me know.