Ingredients:

• 1 bunch of Spinach
• 1/2 cup of coconut oil
• 2 tsp. paprika powder or 2 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1tsp. iodized salt
• 1 tsp. coriander powder
• 1 tsp. cumin powder
• 1 tsp. minced ginger
• 1 tsp. minced garlic
• 1 tsp. white pepper
• 1/2 tsp. tumeric
• 1/2 bunch cilantro or some fresh mint
• 1 large white onion
• 2 tomatoes

      First slice the white onion and brown it in coconut oil. Then add the  cayenne pepper if you prefer it to be hot or paprika powder if you rather have the stew mild. Also put in the cumin, coriander, white pepper,and turmeric powder. Chop the tomatoes and add them as well along with minced garlic and ginger. cut the spinach and put it in with one cup of water. Allow it to cook for 20 minutes. Lastly, chop your cilantro or mint and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Aromatic herbs, such as, cilantro and mint make the stew more flavorful. Salun is thinner in consistency than gravy. In persian it is called aash or sham. Serve it with pita brad or flat bread.

     When I first switched over to vegan diet my physician advised me to eat food rich in iron. i was preoccupied with finding protein sources since I no longer consumed meat. I am a blood donor. after becoming a vegan I tried to donate blood three times and each time I was told that although I am not deficient but my blood iron level is not high enough. The fourth time I tried, my blood was taken and the nurse said that I barely met the iron level and she could tell that I don't eat red meat. The lesson is be mindful of what the doctor tells you. Eat the leafy greens and also eat fruits, for example, figs and apricots since these are rich in iron. Spinach is a great source. Enjoy the salun.

Image courtesy Flickr creative commons.