Cheerachembu Thoran | Tahitian Spinach Stir Fry

Cheerachembu Thoran | Tahitian Spinach – A Nutritious Kerala-Style Stir Fry

Cheerachembu Thoran, also known as Tahitian Spinach Thoran, is a traditional Kerala-style stir fry celebrated for its earthy flavour, nutrient-rich profile, and vibrant green freshness. This leafy vegetable, locally called cheera or chembila, is widely used in Kerala homes for its taste and impressive health benefits. When combined with everyday spices and coconut, it transforms into a wholesome side dish perfect for rice-based meals.

Why Cheerachembu Thoran Is Special

Cheerachembu Thoran stands out because of its simplicity and natural flavours. The vegetable itself has a mildly sweet, slightly nutty taste that pairs beautifully with coconut. Unlike many leafy greens that wilt down quickly, Tahitian Spinach retains a pleasing texture even after cooking, giving the dish a satisfying bite. This reliability makes it a favourite among home cooks looking for healthy, easy-to-prepare weekday meals.

Nutritional Benefits of Tahitian Spinach

Tahitian Spinach supports digestion, boosts energy, and contributes to overall wellness. The presence of antioxidants helps improve immunity while its low-calorie profile suits those following light and wholesome meal plans. For families seeking healthier vegetable options, this thoran is an excellent, flavour-packed choice.

A Perfect Side for Traditional Kerala Meals

Cheerachembu Thoran is typically served with steamed rice, sambhar, rasam, or curd. It makes for a versatile side dish suitable for everyday lunches as well as festive meals. Its subtle yet fragrant seasoning blends seamlessly with classic Kerala flavours, enhancing comfort dishes without overpowering them. Many also appreciate how well it complements brown rice or Kerala red rice, adding both freshness and nutrition to the plate.

Cheerachembu Thoran | Tahitian Spinach Stir Fry

Discover the authentic taste of Cheerachembu Thoran | Tahitian Spinach Thoran, a nutritious Kerala-style stir fry made with fresh leafy greens and coconut.

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Course Side Dish

Cuisine Kerala

Ingredients

  

• 10 Nos. Cheera Chembu (Tahitian Spinach)             Stems with Leaves 
• 1/2 Cup Grated Coconut
• 1/4 Nos. Shallots/Onion  Chopped
• 3 Tsp Green Chilli pieces
• 2-3 Tsp Coconut/Refined Oil 
• 1/4 Tsp Turmeric Powder   
• Salt As reqd

Instructions

 

• Collect Cheerachembu leaves to prepare a nutritious dish.
  
• Clean the leaves by removing the nerves from them. Also clean Its stems by removing the skin as shown in the attached picture.
  
• Then cut the leaves and stems into small pieces separately and keep them aside.
  
• Heat Oil in a Cheenachatti/Frying pan and add the Shallots/Onion pieces into this hot Oil along with chopped Green Chilli pieces and Turmeric Powder and stir it well.
  
• When colour of Shallots/Onion pieces turn into golden/brown, add the Cheerrachembu leaves and stir it well. After about 5 minutes add the stem pieces also along with required quantity of Salt (if required add about 1 tspn. Red Chilli powder also) and stir it well and cook the mix in medium flame. 
  
• Then add grated Coconut into the cooked mix and stir it further. Cheerachembu Thoran is ready
  
• This Thoran can serve with Chappathi/Poori/cooked Rice
  

Keyword Cheerachembu Thoran, Tahitian Spinach Stir Fry

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