How To Cook Malabar Spinach

Malabar spinach leaves on a kitchen towel.

Image Credit: Brian Yarvin/Photographer’s Choice/Getty Images Malabar spinach has stiff, slightly spongy leaves reminiscent of chard. Because of its texture, it’s best used cooked rather than in salads. Malabar spinach, also called Mong Toi, originates in India, where it readily grows on vines. This healthy green is easy to grow, as the tough leaves are more tolerant to heat than most spinach varieties. It is rich in iron; its taste lends itself well to sauteing. Adding tofu to the spinach saute adds a fair amount of protein.

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Step 1

Wash the Malabar spinach leaves carefully under cold water in a colander. Tear the large pieces into smaller ones and set the leaves on a paper towel to dry.

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Step 2

Clean the mushrooms and remove the stems with a paring knife. Slice the caps to a medium thickness and slice the stems.

Step 3

Heat the oil in a skillet over high heat. When the pan is very hot, add the mushrooms, spinach and tofu.

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Step 4

Add the minced ginger and garlic and saute for three to four minutes, stirring constantly.

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Step 5

Pour the white wine and the soy sauce, over the mixture. Add salt to taste. Saute 1 more minute, continuing to stir, until the vegetables are hot. Serve right away.

Things You'll Need

Colander Paring knife Saute pan Wooden spoon 2 cups Malabar spinach leaves 12 oz. fresh mushrooms ½ cup firm tofu, cut into cubes 2 tsp. sesame oil 1 tsp. fresh peeled, minced ginger root 1 tbsp. garlic, finely minced 2 tsp. soy sauce 2 tsp. white wine Tip Serve alone as a side dish or over white or brown rice.

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  references
  
      Key Ingredient: Malabar Spinach and Wild Mushroom Stir-Fry
    
      Tigers and Strawberries: What Is This Vegetable?
    
      Athens Locally Grown: Malabar Spinach with Mushrooms
       




  references
  
      Key Ingredient: Malabar Spinach and Wild Mushroom Stir-Fry
    
      Tigers and Strawberries: What Is This Vegetable?
    
      Athens Locally Grown: Malabar Spinach with Mushrooms
    




Malabar spinach leaves on a kitchen towel.

Image Credit: Brian Yarvin/Photographer’s Choice/Getty Images

Colander
Paring knife
Saute pan
Wooden spoon
2 cups Malabar spinach leaves
12 oz. fresh mushrooms
½ cup firm tofu, cut into cubes
2 tsp. sesame oil
1 tsp. fresh peeled, minced ginger root
1 tbsp. garlic, finely minced
2 tsp. soy sauce
2 tsp. white wine

Serve alone as a side dish or over white or brown rice.

      Key Ingredient: Malabar Spinach and Wild Mushroom Stir-Fry
    
      Tigers and Strawberries: What Is This Vegetable?
    
      Athens Locally Grown: Malabar Spinach with Mushrooms