Cheera upperi (Sauteed Spinach)

Cheera is the malayalam word for indian spinach...its much similar to regular spinach, but has a more crisp texture...very nutritious green...good source of vitamins, iron and what not...
Cheera thoran or upperi is a common dish seen in south indian kitchen, especially kerala....yes , of course with fresh shredded coconut.....oh, yes...we mallus put coconut in anything and everything :)

You'll need:

Cheera(Indian spinach): a bunch (nicely chopped)
Shredded coconut: 4 tbsp (1/4 cup)
Shallots: 5 nos(thinly chopped)
Garlic: 4-5 pods (chopped)
Red chili flakes: 1 tsp
Turmeric powder: 1/2 tsp
salt: as per required.

How to make:

Heat 2-3 tbsp of oil in a pan.
Add chopped shallots and garlic into the oil and saute them for a couple of min.
Add a sprig of curry leaves to it. Add the chili flakes and turmeric powder.
Now add the shredded coconut and mix them all together.
Put the greens to this and give it a mix. Pop the lid on the pan & let it cook on medium heat for 2 min.
Remove the lid, add enough salt and let it cook for a few more min, until all the water from the cheera evaporates...
Excellent side dish with daal chawal ( rice with lentil curry)...
my fav is cheera upperi with steaming rice and cold curd :)