Vegetarian Bayam Masak Lemak (Spinach Coconut Stew)

Isn’t it fantastic when you have people like Ms. Nava who can convert even Malay dishes to a vegetarian version (VEGETARIAN ASAM PEDAS)? I can’t tell you exactly how many among the Malays are vegetarians, though within the Malay community, dried shrimp, dried anchovies, and eggs might be considered vegetarian and added into their cooking, such as in masak lemak. That said, they do enjoy a lot of raw salads with sambal belacan, which I love too. 

Among the Chinese, more people are becoming vegetarians, and among Indians, it's quite common. For religious occasions or specific days, many Indians choose to be vegetarian as a way to honor their gods. It’s like a trend - one person becomes vegetarian and influences another. There's also a belief that being vegetarian makes you more religious and that you'll go to heaven, unlike Ms. Nava, who humorously says she might head to hell. But? You can decide what to say after the "but" because I’m done talking.

Now, let’s get back to today's recipe: Vegetarian Bayam Masak Lemak (Spinach Coconut Stew). Thanks to my friend who gave me organic spinach, which I’m growing now, though they're still at the infant stage. Scented with lemongrass and turmeric leaf from my urban garden, this spinach coconut stew is super fragrant, creamy, luscious, and truly delicious. You can also watch me cook it in the attached YouTube video.

 

Vegetarian Bayam Masak Lemak (Spinach Coconut Stew)

Ingredients:

1 bunch spinach - washed, rinsed, leaves plucked, stems sliced

1 ½ cups thick coconut milk

2 turmeric leaves - sliced

3 tbsp oil

Salt to taste

For blending/pounding:
1 large red onion
1 inch fresh turmeric
1 lemongrass
Fresh red chilies - as needed

Method:

Heat the oil in a pot over medium heat and add the blended/pounded ingredients. Fry until fragrant.

Pour in 1 cup of water and bring to a simmer.

Add the prepared spinach and cook until wilted.
Pour in the coconut milk and add salt to taste. Simmer gently until the spinach is fully cooked and the flavors are well combined.
Turn off the heat and stir in the sliced turmeric leaf.