Greens With Coconut And Chiles

Cheera Thoren
As cheera is hard to come by, we substituted red Swiss chard. The
Indian ingredients can be found at Indian markets and Kalustyan's
(800-352-3451).

1 cup finely grated unsweetened coconut (dried)
1 1/2 cups water
3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
2 (2-inch) fresh hot green chiles such as Thai or serrano
4 garlic cloves
2 tablespoons coconut oil or canola oil
3/4 teaspoon black mustard seeds
2 tablespoons raw rice such as basmati or Patna
2 (3-inch) dried hot red Indian chiles
3 large leaves red Swiss chard, chopped (about 3 cups)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 square piece banana leaf (optional)
Special equipment: a 12- to 14-inch wok

Stir together coconut and 1/2 cup water in a bowl. Let soak at room
temperature until water is absorbed, about 1 hour. Stir in cumin,
turmeric, and 1/2 cup water until combined. Smash green chiles and
garlic with flat side of a large knife and stir into coconut mixture.
Heat oil in wok over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking,
then add mustard seeds and fry until they make popping sounds, about 15
seconds. Add rice and red chiles and cook, stirring constantly, until
rice is golden, about 1 minute.

Add chard and salt and cook, stirring, until chard is wilted, about 30
seconds. Stir in coconut mixture and remaining 1/2 cup water and bring
to a simmer. Cover chard mixture directly with banana leaf if using,
then lid, and simmer until stems are crisp-tender, about 5 minutes.
Discard banana leaf and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until
liquid is evaporated and mixture is dry, 5 to 7 minutes.

Makes 6 side-dish servings.


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