Indonesian Style Malabar Spinach
Savor the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia with this Indonesian Style Malabar Spinach recipe—a fragrant and creamy dish that brings a taste of Indonesia to your table. Featuring tender Malabar spinach simmered in rich coconut milk and infused with aromatic shallots, garlic, and galangal, this recipe is enhanced by a touch of turmeric and the sweet depth of palm sugar. The addition of red chili gives it an optional kick, making it easy to adjust to your spice preference. Quick to prepare in under 35 minutes, this vegetarian delight pairs perfectly with steamed rice for a wholesome meal or serves as a flavorful side. Ideal for lovers of tropical ingredients and bold, comforting flavors, this dish showcases the best of Indonesian cooking.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 300 grams Malabar spinach (washed and roughly chopped)
- 4 pieces Shallots (thinly sliced)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 pieces Red chili (sliced thin, seeds removed for less heat)
- 5 grams Galangal (sliced)
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 200 milliliters Coconut milk
- 100 milliliters Water
- 1 tablespoon Palm sugar (or brown sugar)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil (for sautéing)
Instructions
Heat a wok or a large pan over medium heat and add the vegetable oil.
Once the oil is hot, sauté the sliced shallots, minced garlic, red chili, and galangal until fragrant and the shallots are softened (about 2-3 minutes).
Add the turmeric powder and stir well to coat the aromatics evenly.
Stir in the Malabar spinach leaves and cook, stirring frequently, until they start to wilt (about 2 minutes).
Pour in the coconut milk and water, then stir in the palm sugar and salt.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is tender and the flavors are well combined.
Adjust the seasoning with additional salt or sugar if needed.
Serve warm as a side dish with steamed rice, or enjoy as a light vegetarian main.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
134 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 7.5 g | 10% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.2 g | 6% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 518 mg | 23% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 16.5 g | 6% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.8 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.3 g | ||
| Protein | 2.4 g | 5% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 105 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 1.6 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 564 mg | 12% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
