Malabar Spinach

This plant's thick, semi-succulent, heart-shaped leaves have a mild flavor and mucilaginous texture. Both the leaves and stems can be used in cooking.

Malabar spinach is high in vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium. It is low in calories by volume, but high in protein per calorie. It is particularly a rich source of soluble fiber. 

Malabar spinach can be cooked with lentils to make South Indian Rasam and Sambar or to make North Indian style dals. It can also be used to make very tasty snacks - fried bhajji. It can also be used to thicken soups or stir-fried with garlic and chili peppers.