Spinach Cheera thoran

Cheera / keerai / Spinach  is a fine source of iron and Popeye's favorite.
There are many ways of making thoran or dry dish with keera, but this is my family's favorite. Made with coconut and various fresh and dry spices, mouth waters when the lid of the vessel is lifted!

Recipe courtesy: Jessamma Boban

Ingredients:
Spinach - 1 bunch , chopped fine
Salt to taste
Coconut oil - 2 tbsp
Mustard seeds - 1 tsp
Red chilli - 1 , broken into 3 pieces

To be ground into a coarse paste without water:
Coconut - 1/3 cup
Curry leaf - 1 sprig
Red Chilli - 4
Small onion - 5
Turmeric powder - 1tsp
Garlic (opt) - 1 pod
Asafoetida - 1/2 tsp
Jeera - 1 tsp

Method:
Wash the spinach well and chop finely.
Heat the coconut oil and add the mustard seeds and red chillies.
Once it crackles, add the coarsely ground paste and salt. Saute on a medium flame, stirring continuously for 1 minute.

Now add the spinach. Mix well. Reduce flame and cook covered for 5 minutes.
Open, mix well and cook on a medium flame till all water evaporates.
Serve hot with rice.