How to Cook Perfectly Boiled Malabar Spinach: Fresh and Nutritious

Boiled Malabar spinach is a familiar dish in Vietnamese family meals. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also offers numerous health benefits due to its rich nutritional content. This article will guide you through the simple way to cook boiled Malabar spinach that retains its vibrant green color and refreshing taste.

Benefits of Eating Boiled Malabar Spinach

Malabar spinach is not just an ordinary vegetable; it is also considered a natural “miracle drug” for health. Here are the reasons why you should add boiled Malabar spinach to your daily diet.

Effective Weight Loss Support

Malabar spinach contains 86% water, which helps create a lasting feeling of fullness and control cravings. It’s an excellent choice for those following a weight loss diet. Additionally, Malabar spinach has a low calorie count, but is rich in fiber, low in fat, and packed with vitamins and protein.

How to Cook Boiled Malabar Spinach
Fiber in Malabar spinach helps convert fat into energy.

The fiber in Malabar spinach supports the process of converting fat into energy, while also providing essential nutrients to the body.

Effects of Malabar Spinach According to Traditional Chinese Medicine

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, Malabar spinach has a cooling nature and a sweet taste, offering many health benefits. This vegetable is used to promote blood circulation, detoxify, cool the blood, and aid urination. Moreover, Malabar spinach is a valuable medicinal herb that helps treat conditions such as pneumonia, detoxification, measles, high fever, or urinary tract issues.

Particularly, postpartum women who eat boiled Malabar spinach will help cleanse the uterus, increase milk production, and recover their health quickly.

Effects of Malabar Spinach According to Modern Western Medicine

Scientific research shows that compounds extracted from Malabar spinach can control blood sugar levels, thereby reducing the risk of diabetes. The phytochemical compounds in Malabar spinach also help improve sexual health and boost the immune system.

How to Cook Boiled Malabar Spinach
Malabar spinach is rich in nutrients beneficial for health.

Blood pressure is also stabilized thanks to the papaverine compound found in Malabar spinach. Other components in this vegetable help combat inflammation and protect the body from harmful agents.

Precautions When Preparing Malabar Spinach

Although Malabar spinach offers many benefits, you should keep in mind some points when preparing this dish:

• Pregnant women in their first trimester should not eat too much Malabar spinach as it may risk miscarriage.
• Do not eat raw or undercooked Malabar spinach as it may cause bronchiolitis or insomnia.
• Wash Malabar spinach thoroughly before cooking to remove dirt and impurities.

Guide to Cooking Perfectly Boiled Malabar Spinach

Below is a detailed recipe for you to cook delicious and vibrant green boiled Malabar spinach at home.

Ingredients (for 4 servings)

• Malabar spinach: 1 bunch (about 200g)
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Cooking oil: 1 tablespoon (optional)

Preparing the Ingredients

After purchasing, strip the leaves from the Malabar spinach and discard any damaged or wilted ones. Wash the Malabar spinach with diluted saltwater to ensure cleanliness. Then, gently massage the leaves to soften them before boiling.

How to Cook Boiled Malabar Spinach
Malabar spinach needs thorough preparation to ensure cleanliness.

How to Cook Boiled Malabar Spinach

Step 1: Bring a pot of water to a boil, enough for 4 servings (about 1 liter). Add a pinch of salt to the water to help the Malabar spinach retain its vibrant green color.

Step 2: Once the water is boiling, add the Malabar spinach and stir gently. Boil the spinach for about 2-3 minutes until the leaves turn a deep green and become tender.

Step 3: Remove the Malabar spinach from the pot and drain it in a colander. If you want to enhance the flavor, you can heat some cooking oil and drizzle it over the spinach.

How to Cook Boiled Malabar Spinach
Boiled Malabar spinach, vibrant green and tender, is appetizing.

Finished Product

The finished boiled Malabar spinach should be vibrant green, with tender yet slightly firm leaves. This dish is perfect to enjoy with white rice or other savory dishes.

How to Cook Boiled Malabar Spinach
Boiled Malabar spinach, vibrant green and refreshing.

Conclusion

Boiled Malabar spinach is a simple yet highly nutritious dish, suitable for all seasons. With the simple way to cook boiled Malabar spinach detailed above, you can easily prepare this dish at home. Add Malabar spinach to your daily menu so that your whole family can enjoy and benefit from its wonderful advantages.

See more: Dishes Made from Malabar Spinach