Coconut Cranberry Spinach

This is a bright and grounding side dish based on a recipe from Tanzania (called mchicha wa nazi).

It has spinach, onions, and cranberries simmered in coconut milk.

We served it over rice and lentils, but it would really go well with whatever else you’re making for dinner.

It’s too good not to try it!


Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp coconut oil or olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 bunch spinach, chopped (or 1 pound of baby spinach leaves)
  • 1/2 can coconut milk
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Peel and chop the onion. Wash the spinach. Assemble the ingredients.

In a large pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat, then add the onion. Cook for 5-10 minutes until it gets soft and translucent but not too brown.

Add the chopped spinach and stir to combine, then add the cranberries and mix them in. Add the coconut milk, stir, and let simmer for a few minutes until the spinach has wilted.

Taste for seasonings and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot over rice and lentils or on its own. Enjoy the nourishing deliciousness!


Inspiration

Here is what my teacher Sister True Dedication posted after Thich Nhat Hanh’s passing:

“The universal dharma door is open
The sound of the rising tide is clear
And the miracle occurs
A beautiful child is born
In the heart of a lotus flower

A single drop of this compassionate nectar
Is enough to bring back the streams
To mountains and to rivers”

A cloud never dies. Death is just a continuation, a transformation. New life is all around.

Chef Maitri Carmichael brings a creative and peaceful energy to every plate. She grew up in Toronto with a British Grandma and an Italian Nonna who showed their love through food, then she moved to the San Francisco Bay Area for 15 years, spending her free time at community farms and zen kitchens. Originally a scientist and biotech entrepreneur, she graduated from the Vegan Chef School in London (2021) and the Raw Food Culinary Academy in Vancouver (2023), and is now settled in Hawaii.

3 responses to “Coconut Cranberry Spinach”

  1. maitricookswithlove Avatar

    Surprisingly flavorful from such few ingredients!

  2. maitricookswithlove Avatar

    Facebook comment from Caryn: Making coconut cranberry spinach today!

Leave a Reply

%d