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Sauteed Arugula and Spinach with Paneer and Cashews
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By Vikram Vij
Posted July 23rd, 2007
This article is reprinted with permission from Vij's: Elegant and Inspired Indian Cuisine, by Vikram Vij, (2006, Douglas & McIntyre)
Vij's: Elegant and Inspired Indian Cuisine
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Servings: 6
Author Notes: When Vikram Vij and his wife, Meeru Dhalwala first opened their Vancouver restaurant in 1994, they set out to showcase the regional cuisines of India with their diverse use of spices, yogurts, creams and meats. More than 10 years later the restaurant has won international acclaim and an intensely loyal following. Now with their first cookbook, adventurous cooks can bring the flavors of Vij's restaurant home. Much like the food served in the restaurant, these recipes use local ingredients and original ideas to create exciting takes on the cuisine of India.
Ingredients: 2 ounces whole raw unsalted cashews
1/2 pound arugula
1 1/2 pounds spinach OR 1 pound rapini PLUS 1 pound spinach
1/2 cup canola oil
1 tablespoon cumin seeds
3 cups pureed tomatoes
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon ground black mustard seeds
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon crushed cayenne pepper
3 cups water
1 2/3 cups coconut milk, stirred
9 ounces paneer cheese, in 12 equal slices
Instructions:

Preheat the oven or toaster oven to 375° F. Spread cashews on a baking tray and bake for 3 minutes. Gently stir cashews to roast them evenly. Return to the oven for another 3 minutes, or until golden brown. Watch carefully because cashews can burn quickly. Remove from the oven and cool for at least 30 minutes.

Cut the tougher, bottom stems (about 1-1/2 inches) off the spinach. If you don't like to eat the stems, cut off all of them but add more spinach leaves to compensate. If the rapini leaves are flowering on top, cut off the flowers. Cut off the bottom stems of the rapini. If you don't eat any of the rapini stems, cut off as much as you want, but again compensate with extra rapini leaves. Combine spinach and arugula (or rapini) in a large bowl.

Heat oil in a large frying pan on medium-high heat for 1 minute. Add cumin seeds, stir and allow to sizzle for 30 to 45 seconds. Add tomatoes, mustard seeds, turmeric, salt and cayenne. Stir and reduce the heat to low, then cover and cook for 5 minutes. Remove the lid and stir. The top of the masala should glisten with oil. If not, cook uncovered for another 1 to 2 minutes to make sure the spices are cooked through. Stir in water and increase the heat to medium. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cook at a low boil for 5 to 8 minutes. Add coconut milk, increase the heat to medium and continue cooking until the curry starts to boil. Add greens and cook them for 2 minutes, stirring regularly.

To Serve:
Place 2 slices of paneer in each of six large bowls. Pour the curry and green leaves over the paneer. Top the greens with 6 to 7 roasted cashews per bowl.

Wine:
Pair with a refreshing Grüner Veltliner.



 

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