Keerai Masiyal (Simple Mashed Spinach)

You can use fresh or frozen spinach for this.

2 lbs Frozen Spinach or 2 bunches Fresh Spinach
1 and 1/2 Spoons Cumin
1 and 1/2 Spoons Urad Dal
2 or 3 Dry red Chili
1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
2 teaspoons oil
2 teaspoons grated coconut
1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
1 and 1/2 spoons salt (more or less)


---> If using Fresh Spinach, Cut the ends and wash 3 times.
---> In a big pan, place the drianed spinach leaves or if using frozen place them directly with just a 1/4 cup of water on a medium low fire and cover the pan.
---> Keep stirring the spinach to make sure it is not getting burnt.
---> Using a hand blender, blend the spinach well
---> In a different pan, add a teaspoon of oil, and add the Urad Dal, Red Chillies, Jeera and Black pepper and roast till you smell the cumin and the pepper and the dal becomes slighlty rose in color
---> Add coconut to the roasted ingredients, and make a fine powder with a regular mixer or a coffee grinder
---> Add this to the Spinach and mix well
---> As a last step, add a teaspoon of oil in a pan and add the mustard seeds and let it sputter, add this to the spinach, garnish with curry leaves and serve.

When you are done, this should have a consistency of Idli Dough.
This goes well with Rice and Rasam!