Spiced Creamed Spinach
MALAI SAK

-Recipe from Yamuna mataji

        Throughout India, districts, towns, even individual homes have their own distinct cuisines. This delicious creamed spinach hails from the community of Vaishnava Brahmins of Delhi, and the final texture and riches are determined by the milk product you select: cream, sour, sour cream, crème fraiche, cream cheese or plain yogurt.

Preparation time (after assembling ingredients): 5 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Serves: 4 or 5

1/8 teaspoon (0.5 ml) cayenne pepper
½ table spoon (7 ml) ground coriander
¼ teaspoon (1 ml) freshly ground pepper
1/8 teaspoon (0.5 ml) freshly grated nutmeg
¼ teaspoon (1 ml) turmeric
1 teaspoon (5 ml) garam masala
3 table spoons (45 ml) water
4 table spoons (60 ml) ghee or unsalted butter
1/8 teaspoon (0.5 ml) yellow asafetida powder (hing)
2 pounds (1 kg) fresh spinach, trimmed, washed and coarsely chopped
1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt
½ cup (120 ml) of any of the following: heavy cream, cream cheese
(Cut into cubes), crème fraiche, sour cream or stirred yogurt

This amount applies only to yellow cobra brand. Reduce any other asafetida by three-fourths.

1.    Combine the cayenne, coriander, black pepper, nutmeg, turmeric and garam masala in a small bowl, add the water, and mix well. Melt the ghee or butter in a 5-quart/liter nonstick pan over moderate heat. Add the asafetida and let it sizzle for a few seconds, then pour in the spice mixture. Fry for about 2 minutes.
2.    Pack in the spinach and sprinkle with the salt. Cover and reduce the heat. Cook for 6-8 minutes, then turn the leaves over so that the uncooked for an additional layer on the top change places with the cooked leaves underneath. Cook for an additional few minutes.
3.    Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the desired milk product. Return the pan to the heat and rewarm briefly. (If the yogurt is allowed to simmer, it will curdle). Serve immediately.