Summary
This is a mallum (sometimes transcribed mallung), a traditional dish from Sri Lanka that is often made with wild greens. The variety of greens used to make mallums in Sri Lanka is staggering, a testimony to the tropical lushness of the island.
This recipe, using fresh pea tendrils, or pea shoots, is a favorite. Notice that everything is simply put into a pot and cooked together. There’s no oil for frying, no water for boiling other than the water clinging to the washed greens.
Just follow the recipe and see what happens.
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 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric