Kerala Spinach Stir Fry

Some dishes don’t need complexity to feel complete. Cheera Thoran, a classic Kerala stir-fry made with spinach and coconut, is one such humble wonder – light, flavourful, and full of homely warmth.

In my kitchen, I usually make it with red cheera (red amaranth), but green cheera works just as well. The method is simple, but like with most Kerala dishes, it’s the sequence of steps that brings out the real magic.

First, in coconut oil, we temper mustard seeds, fresh curry leaves, and a handful of raw rice grains. The rice crackles and crisps up, adding a subtle crunch – a beautiful detail that’s traditional in many Kerala homes and not always seen outside.

To this, we add the grated coconut, along with a bit of turmeric powder and chilli powder, gently sautéing until the raw smell lifts and the coconut takes on just a hint of toast. That base itself smells like a feast.

Only then do we add the finely chopped cheera, tossing it into the spiced coconut, allowing it to wilt and soften without losing its colour or freshness. No water, no fuss – just gentle heat and a little patience.

This version of Cheera Thoran isn’t just for daily lunch – it’s also a part of special feasts like the Aranmula Vallasadya, served with reverence on a banana leaf, among dozens of sacred vegetarian offerings.

There’s something deeply grounding about this dish. It’s not flashy, but it’s dependable. Green or red, spicy or mild, Cheera Thoran is Kerala comfort food at its most honest – rich in tradition, full of nutrition, and always made with care.

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Crispy

Kerala Spinach Stir Fry

Author: Ushadevi Cooking Method: Sauteing Cuisine: Kerala Courses: Curries & Side Dishes, Lunch, Salads, Vegan, Vegetarian

Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 30 mins

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 ¹⁄₂ cup Cheera Ila (Red / Green spinach leaves)
• ³⁄₄ cup grated Coconut
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon Chilly powder
• 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon Rice
• 2 Dry red chillies
• Salt & Oil as required
• one spring Curry leaves

Instructions

1. Cheera thoran or Kerala style Spinach stir fry is an healthy side dish, which is very easy to make.
2. First of all clean the leaves thoroughly. and drain excess water
3. Now chop the leaves finely .
4. In a Pan heat a teaspoon oil, add Mustard seeds. When it end up crackling , add rice and roast it few minutes
5. Add curry leaves, Dry red chillies
6. Now we will add grated coconut with the mix.
7. in next step we will add Turmeric powder, Chilly powder and mix every thing well
8. Finally we add Spinach leaves and stir continuously . Cook it closed with lid for 4-5 minutes or till the water contents of leaves become 50%
9. Your healthy Cheera thoran is ready