Spinach and Feta Saag

Serves 4

¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons ghee or olive oil, divided

1 tablespoons ground coriander 

2 green cardamom pods, or ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom (freshly ground is best)

1 small yellow onion, diced into ½ -inch pieces

1 tablespoon roughly chopped fresh ginger

1 garlic clove, minced

1 pound defrosted chooped spinach (squeeze to remove liquid)

½ tablespoon fresh lime juice (from about a quarter of a lime), plus more if needed but be careful

1 small Indian green chile or serrano chile, roughly chopped

1 teaspoon kosher salt

6 ounces feta cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes (a little over ½ cup)

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

¼ teaspoon asafetida (optional, but really great)

¼ teaspoon red chile powder

Step 1

In a large pan over medium heat, warm ¼ cup of the ghee (or oil). Once the ghee has melted (or the oil begins to shimmer), add the coriander and cardamom and cook, stirring, for about 2 minutes, until the seeds start to brown. Add the onion and cook until it is translucent, 5 to 6 minutes. Stir in the ginger and garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Add the spinach and cook until it is just wilted, 4 to 5 minutes.

Step 2

Remove the pan from the heat and add the lime juice, green chile, and salt. Let cool for 5 minutes. Transfer to a blender and blend into a chunky paste. Return the spinach mixture to the same pan and set it over low heat. Stir in ½ cup water, then gently fold in the feta, being careful not to break up the cubes. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes more to soften the feta slightly and allow it to soak up some of the spinach sauce.

Step 3

While the feta cooks, in a small pan or butter warmer over medium-high heat, warm the remaining 2 tablespoons ghee (or oil) for 1 minute. Add the cumin seeds. As soon as (emphasis on as soon as—you don’t want your cumin to burn!) the cumin seeds start to sputter and brown, about 1 minute max, remove the pan from the heat. Immediately add the asafetida (if using) and red chile powder.

Step 4

Pour all of the ghee (or oil) mixture into the spinach and feta once that is done cooking.

Step 5

Serve with rice or roti.