Pea Tendrils with Coconut

Cayenne is a red or green hot chili pepper used to flavor chile food dishes and is also used for medicinal purposes. Named for the city of Cayenne in French Guiana, it is a cultivar of Capsicum annuum related to bell peppers, jalapeños, and others.

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Ingredients:

1/2 pound pea tendrils (about 8 cups chopped, loosely packed)
1/2 cup fresh or frozen grated coconut
2 green cayenne chiles, finely chopped
1/3 to 1/2 cup shallots, finely chopped
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. turmeric

Instructions:

Wash the pea tendrils and drain. Gather them into a tight bundle and finely slice crosswise.

Combine with all the other ingredients in a medium heavy pot and mix well. Place over high heat and cook, stirring frequently, for about 1 minute. Then cover tightly and cook for about 3 minutes, until the pea tendrils have wilted and the shallots are tender. Serve on a flat plate.

Note:

This makes an easy and welcome green vegetable side with a meal of roast or grilled chicken, curry, and rice.

Recipe by Jeffrey Alford and Naomi Duguid from Mangoes & Curry Leaves: “Culinary Travels Through the Great Subcontinent”.