Spinach Raita

This is part of Rushina's New Year's menu, to accompany a bean dish. She serves this Spinach Raita for the green quotient. click to read about this tradition

• 1 bunch spinach (about 1/2 Lb) (You can also use frozen spinach)
• 1/2 inch ginger
• 2 green chilies (or more if you like you raita spicy)
• Salt to taste
• 1 cup yougurt
• 2 teaspoons oil
• 3/4 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed (optional)
• 1/2 - 1 teaspoon chili powder

METHOD

Wash spinach, then cut. Grate ginger and chop green chilies. Steam spinach with the ginger, green chilies and salt. (Or microwave.) Let cool, and add the yogurt.

To temper: heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds. When the seeds begin to splutter, add crushed garlic and fry until the garlic turns light brown. Add this to the yogurt mixture.

Serves: 2

Contributor: Rushina Munshaw Ghildiyal

click to see Rushina's entire New Year menu

Rushina tells us: "The Southern Americans eat black eyed peas which they believe brings good luck because their round shape symbolizes the shape of a coin. Greens are also traditionally eaten and are said to symbolize paper money. A common southern dish is Hoppin John – black eyed peas with rice which I found a little bland by itself. Closer to home I found a Nepali recipe Bodi Pulao that makes for a spicier version of the combination."

 

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