Palak Pulao Recipe – A Flavorful Spinach Rice Dish
Palak Pulao, also known as Spinach Pulao, is a nutritious and simple one-pot rice dish infused with the goodness of fresh spinach. This vibrant dish is easy to prepare, packed with essential vitamins and minerals, and perfect for any meal. With the added zing of sambar powder, turmeric, and garam masala, this dish is a delightful treat for the senses. Whether you’re cooking from scratch or repurposing leftover rice, Palak Pulao is sure to become a go-to recipe, especially when paired with boondi raita and crispy papad for a fulfilling lunch or dinner.
Cuisine:
Indian
Course:
Lunch
Diet:
Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice (cooked) | 2 cups |
| Spinach | 200 grams (washed and finely chopped) |
| Cumin seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Ginger (grated) | 1 teaspoon |
| Tomatoes (pureed) | 1 tomato |
| Turmeric powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Sambar powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Ghee (or any oil) | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | According to taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 230 kcal |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
| Potassium | 450mg |
| Vitamin A | 400% Daily Value |
| Vitamin C | 15% Daily Value |
| Iron | 20% Daily Value |
Preparation Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
40 minutes
Instructions
-
Heat the Ghee:
Begin by heating the ghee (or any oil of your choice) in a large pan over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and grated ginger, allowing them to cook for a minute or two until the cumin seeds start crackling. -
Sauté the Tomatoes:
Once the cumin seeds are fragrant, add the pureed tomato to the pan. Stir in the turmeric powder and cook the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their flavors. -
Cook the Spinach:
Add the finely chopped spinach and salt to the pan. Cook the spinach for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it wilts and blends well with the tomato and spices. -
Add the Rice and Spices:
Now, add the cooked rice to the pan. Sprinkle in the sambar powder and garam masala powder. Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring the rice is evenly coated with the spinach and spices. Let it cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. -
Serve:
Turn off the heat and your Palak Pulao is ready to be served! This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of boondi raita and crispy papad for a satisfying and wholesome meal.
Pro Tips for Perfect Palak Pulao
- Leftover Rice: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover rice. Simply toss the rice into the pan when the spinach mixture is ready, and follow the rest of the instructions as usual.
- Spice Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your preference. If you enjoy a more robust flavor, increase the amount of garam masala and sambar powder slightly.
- Adding Protein: For added protein, you can toss in some cooked lentils, peas, or tofu. It makes the dish heartier while keeping it vegetarian.
Why You’ll Love This Palak Pulao Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, this dish can be prepared in less than an hour, making it perfect for busy days.
- Health Benefits: Packed with the goodness of spinach, this pulao is rich in iron, vitamins, and antioxidants, supporting overall health.
- Versatile: This dish works well as a main course or as a side dish to complement a variety of Indian curries and accompaniments.
Enjoy your delicious and wholesome Palak Pulao!
