Masala Spiced Spinach and Ricotta

Masala spiced spinach and ricotta is an adaptation of the Western Indian dish Saag Paneer.

Serves: 4-6

Prep Time: 5 min

Cooking Time: 15 min

Total:  20 min

Ingredients

2 boxes frozen chopped spinach
1/2 tbsp. ghee, butter or oil
1 cup smooth ricotta cheese
2-inch piece fresh ginger root, peeled and grated
3-4 cloves garlic, crushed
1 green Thai or serrano chilies, minced
2 tsp. garam masala
1/4 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
1/3 cup cream
salt

Directions

1. Unwrap spinach and place in a microwaveable dish. Defrost in microwave and set aside.
2. In a pot, melt ghee over medium heat. Add ginger, garlic and chilies and saute for 1 minute stirring constantly.
3. Add spinach, including any of its liquids and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add ricotta cheese, garam masala and nutmeg and allow to simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Add cream and salt, and gently simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Serve immediately with naan or rice.

Adapted from World Food Cafe: Global Vegetarian Cooking (1999).