Easy Saag / Spinach Puree
Recipe courtesy of my friend Ravi!
2 lbs frozen spinach
2 green chiles minced
3 cloves garlic - minced
1 tablespoon butter
Water or vegetable broth
1 cup green peas (or cooked potatoes, garbanzos or anything you like)
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
salt to taste
Wash spinach thoroughly then squeeze out water. This helps to remove bitterness of spinach. Add a little water or vegetable broth and microwave spinach for about 5 to 8 minutes.
In a medium pan, heat butter and add cumin seeds to toast for a minute or so. Add garlic and chopped chiles and saute for another minute or so until garlic is cooked but not browned. Add cooked spinach and a little more water or vegetable broth if necessary for consistency. Cook 5 to 7 minutes covered on medium-low. Use a hand blender, blender or food processor to make a coarse puree. Add peas, additional water or broth if necessary. Cover and simmer on low for another 6 to 9 minutes until peas are done. Salt to taste.