Jain Style Corn Palak – A Delightful Spinach and Corn Curry
Jain Style Corn Palak is a comforting and healthy vegetarian dish made from spinach (palak) and sweet corn, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures. This dish, which is simple yet full of traditional spices, is ideal for a lunch or dinner. Jain cuisine is known for its strict adherence to dietary restrictions that exclude certain ingredients like onion, garlic, and root vegetables, making this recipe suitable for those following a Jain diet.
In this recipe, spinach is blended into a smooth puree, cooked with flavorful spices and sweet corn, then finished off with a touch of kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) and lemon juice, resulting in a delicious and fragrant curry.
Recipe Highlights
- Cuisine: North Indian
- Diet: Vegetarian, Jain-friendly
- Course: Main Course (Lunch/Dinner)
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients for Jain Style Corn Palak
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spinach (Palak) | 1 cup |
| Sweet Corn (boiled) | 1/2 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sugar | 1 tablespoon |
| Kasuri Methi | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Red Chili Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cumin Seeds | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Tomatoes | 2, chopped |
| Green Chilies | 2, chopped |
| Cashews | 8, chopped |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | A pinch |
| Oil | As needed |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Sodium | 200mg |
Instructions to Prepare Jain Style Corn Palak
Step 1: Blanch the Spinach
Begin by blanching the spinach leaves. Place the fresh spinach in boiling water for about 2 minutes, then transfer it immediately into cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain the water and grind the spinach into a smooth puree using a mixer grinder. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare Tomato Puree
In a small pan, heat 1 teaspoon of oil. Add the tomatoes, chopped green chilies, and cashews to the pan. Cook until the tomatoes soften and release their juices. Once cooled, add a little water and grind this mixture into a fine puree. Set aside.
Step 3: Tempering the Spices
In a large pan or wok, heat oil according to your preference. Add cumin seeds to the hot oil and let them splutter for about 15 seconds. Then, add the prepared spinach puree to the pan along with turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Stir well and allow the mixture to cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Add Tomato Puree and Corn
Once the spinach is cooked, add the tomato puree, sweet corn, garam masala powder, and other dried spices (such as red chili powder). Mix everything thoroughly, and let it cook for another 8 to 10 minutes on medium heat. If necessary, add a splash of water to achieve the desired consistency.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Now, add kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves), lemon juice, and a pinch of sugar. Stir the curry well and allow it to simmer for an additional 2 minutes so that all the flavors are well incorporated.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once cooked, your Jain Style Corn Palak is ready to serve. This flavorful curry can be enjoyed with boondi raita (a yogurt-based side dish) and soft phulkas (Indian flatbread). The fresh and fragrant combination of spinach and corn will surely delight your taste buds!
Tips for Making Perfect Jain Style Corn Palak:
- Blanching the Spinach: Ensure that the spinach is properly blanched to maintain its vibrant green color and preserve its nutrients.
- Sweet Corn: You can use either fresh sweet corn or canned corn, but make sure it is cooked or steamed before adding it to the curry.
- Adjusting Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the amount of red chili powder and green chilies based on your spice tolerance.
- Consistency: If you prefer a thicker curry, reduce the amount of water added during cooking. If you like a more soupy texture, increase the water slightly.
Serving Suggestions:
- Boondi Raita: A cooling yogurt-based raita with fried boondi (crunchy chickpea flour snacks) complements the spiced flavors of Jain Style Corn Palak.
- Phulka: Soft and light Indian flatbreads like phulka or chapati are perfect for scooping up the curry.
- Jeera Rice: If you prefer rice, cumin rice (jeera rice) pairs wonderfully with this curry.
Why You’ll Love Jain Style Corn Palak:
This recipe is a wholesome, comforting dish that combines the goodness of spinach and the sweet crunch of corn, cooked in an aromatic blend of spices. It’s not just a nutritious meal but also an explosion of flavors with every bite. Whether you’re following a Jain diet or simply want to enjoy a healthy vegetarian meal, Jain Style Corn Palak will become a favorite in your kitchen.
Enjoy this simple yet flavorful curry with your loved ones, and don’t forget to pair it with your favorite accompaniments for a complete meal!
