Palak Puri Recipe: A Healthy Spinach Delight for Breakfast
Palak Puri, also known as Spinach Puri, is a delicious and nutritious twist on the traditional puri. These vibrant green puris are made using whole wheat flour and spinach (palak), giving them not only a beautiful color but also a rich dose of essential nutrients. The addition of spinach makes these puris a great choice for those looking to boost their iron intake while enjoying a wholesome meal.
Spinach is packed with vitamins and minerals, offering numerous health benefits, including promoting bone health, supporting brain function, regulating blood pressure, and protecting eye health due to its high vitamin A content. Regular consumption of spinach can also help lower the risk of certain types of cancers. The palak puris are a perfect choice for a filling, energy-boosting breakfast, making them ideal for a healthy start to your day.
These puris are typically enjoyed with a side of flavorful Lahori Aloo (spicy potatoes) and cooling raita. Whether you’re serving them at a family breakfast or bringing them to a special brunch gathering, these palak puris will surely delight your guests with their vibrant color and delicious taste.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Flour | 1 cup |
| Spinach Leaves (Palak) | 20 leaves, chopped |
| Ginger | 1/4 inch, peeled and chopped |
| Green Chilli | 1, chopped |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Water | 1 tablespoon |
| Oil (for frying) | 2 tablespoons + extra for frying |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Spinach Puree:
- Begin by thoroughly washing the spinach leaves, then chop the spinach, ginger, and green chili.
- In a pan, bring some water to a boil and add the chopped spinach, ginger, and green chili.
- Once boiled, strain the water and set the spinach aside to cool for about 15 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess water completely.
-
Make the Spinach Puree:
- After the spinach mixture has cooled, transfer it to a blender or mixer. Do not add any water; simply blend it into a smooth puree. This will be the base for the dough.
-
Prepare the Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, add the whole wheat flour and the prepared spinach puree.
- Add cumin powder (jeera), a pinch of salt, and 1 tablespoon of oil to the mixture.
- Using your hands, mix everything together to form a dough. The dough should be soft but not too sticky. You may not need to add water as the spinach will release enough moisture to bind the dough.
-
Rest the Dough:
- Once the dough is formed, cover it with a muslin cloth and let it rest for about 30 minutes. This resting period allows the dough to firm up and makes it easier to roll out.
-
Shape the Puri:
- After the resting time, divide the dough into small marble-sized balls.
- Lightly dust a flat surface or rolling board with some whole wheat flour. Roll each ball into a thick, small, round puri using a rolling pin. Be sure to keep the puris thick so that they puff up nicely during frying.
-
Fry the Puri:
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan or Kadai over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
- Once the oil is ready, gently place one puri at a time into the hot oil.
- Using a slotted spoon, gently press down on the puri and pour some hot oil over it in a circular motion. This helps the puri puff up.
- Fry the puri until it turns golden brown on both sides, which should take about 1-2 minutes per side. Be careful not to over-fry the puris, as they can become brittle if left in the oil for too long.
- Once golden and puffed, remove the puri from the oil and drain excess oil on a paper towel.
-
Serve:
- Serve the hot Palak Puri with a side of Lahori Aloo and a raita of your choice for a complete and satisfying breakfast.
Tips:
- For a crispier texture: You can add a pinch of ajwain (carom seeds) to the dough.
- Make it more flavorful: Add a pinch of garam masala or chat masala to the dough for an extra zing.
- Storage: If you have any leftover puris, store them in an airtight container. They can be enjoyed later as a snack or light meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Iron | 1.5 mg |
| Vitamin A | 650 IU |
Palak Puri is an ideal breakfast choice for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy, vegetarian, and iron-rich meal. With the goodness of spinach and whole wheat flour, these puris are not only tasty but also packed with essential nutrients. Serve them with your favorite side dishes and enjoy the vibrant flavors of this classic Indian recipe!
