Spinach Rice (Palak Pulao) Recipe
Description:
This delightful Spinach Rice, also known as Palak Pulao, is a vibrant, flavorful, and nutritious dish perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Combining the richness of cooked rice with the earthiness of spinach (palak), the dish is enhanced with a blend of sambar powder, garam masala, and turmeric powder. This aromatic rice is further complemented by the sweetness of tomato, the warmth of ginger, and the warmth of cumin seeds, making it a wholesome and delicious meal. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility—while I prefer using sambar powder and cardamom powder, feel free to experiment with a mix of spices to suit your palate. Whether you enjoy it with a bowl of refreshing raita or a side of curry, this spinach rice is a satisfying dish that can be made in just under an hour.
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked Rice | 2 cups |
| Spinach Leaves (Palak), rinsed and chopped | 200 grams |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Ginger, grated | 1 teaspoon |
| Tomato, pureed or finely chopped | 1 (medium-sized) |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Sambar Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Ghee (or sesame oil) | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~180 kcal |
| Protein | ~4g |
| Carbohydrates | ~34g |
| Fiber | ~3g |
| Fat | ~6g |
| Sodium | ~200 mg |
| Vitamin A | ~80% DV |
| Vitamin C | ~20% DV |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Serves: 4
Instructions:
-
Prepare the base for the spinach mixture
Heat ghee (or sesame oil) in a heavy-bottomed pan or skillet over medium heat. Once the ghee melts, add cumin seeds (jeera) and sauté for a few seconds until they splutter. This will release the earthy flavor of the cumin, which adds a deep fragrance to the rice. -
Add the ginger and tomato
Stir in the grated ginger and sauté briefly, allowing it to release its aroma. Follow by adding the tomato, either pureed or finely chopped. Continue to sauté until the tomatoes soften and break down, forming a thick base for the spinach. -
Season the mixture
Sprinkle in the turmeric powder (haldi) and sauté it with the tomato mixture for another minute. This step allows the turmeric to bloom and infuse the oil with its vibrant yellow hue, which will later color the rice beautifully. -
Add the spinach and cook it down
Stir in the chopped spinach leaves (palak), along with salt to taste. Cover the pan and cook on medium-low heat for 4-5 minutes, or until the spinach wilts down and softens. You will notice that the spinach releases a significant amount of water. -
Evaporate the water
Increase the heat to high, allowing the water released by the spinach to evaporate. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the spinach mixture thickens up. -
Combine with rice and spices
Once most of the water has evaporated, stir in the cooked rice, followed by sambar powder. Mix thoroughly, ensuring that the rice absorbs the flavors of the spinach and the spices. Taste the rice and adjust the salt or spice levels to your preference. -
Simmer the rice
Lower the heat to the minimum and cover the pan. Let the rice simmer for a few minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors and take on a rich, vibrant green color. -
Serve
Turn off the heat and fluff the rice with a fork. Transfer the Spinach Rice to a serving plate. Garnish with a sprinkling of fresh herbs, if desired, and serve hot alongside Tomato Onion Raita, Tadka Raita, or any other raita of your choice. You can also pair it with your favorite curry for a wholesome meal.
Tips for Making Perfect Spinach Rice:
- If you like your spinach rice a little spicier, you can add green chilies or a pinch of chili powder to the recipe.
- For a richer flavor, feel free to substitute ghee with butter or olive oil, though ghee adds a unique taste.
- The key to a perfectly cooked Palak Pulao is to let the spinach fully cook down before adding the rice, ensuring the rice soaks up all the delicious flavors.
Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a comforting dinner, or a simple side dish, this Spinach Rice (Palak Pulao) is sure to win over your taste buds. The blend of aromatic spices and fresh spinach creates a satisfying and healthy meal, bursting with flavor and color. Enjoy the warmth and goodness of this simple yet delightful dish!
