Spiced Turnips with Spinach: A Flavorful Indian Side Dish
Description
Spiced Turnips with Spinach is a nutrient-packed, aromatic side dish that pairs wonderfully with Indian flatbreads such as naan, chapati, or parathas. This dish brings together the earthy goodness of turnips with the vibrant green color and nutrition of spinach, all wrapped in a blend of fragrant Indian spices. Growing up, my mom would serve this dish with chapatis, cleverly telling me it was made with potatoes, as I wasn’t too fond of turnips at the time. However, as I grew older and understood the nutritional value of turnips, I came to appreciate their earthy flavor and texture. This dish has since become one of my favorites, as it not only tastes amazing but is also packed with vitamins and minerals.
Perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner, Spiced Turnips with Spinach brings warmth and depth of flavor to your meal.
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Turnips | 3, peeled and diced into cubes |
| Spinach Leaves (Palak) | 1 bunch, chopped |
| Tomatoes | 2, chopped |
| Onion | 1, sliced |
| Salt | To taste |
| Red Chilli Powder | To taste |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 3/4 teaspoon |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 3/4 teaspoon |
| Ginger | 1/2 teaspoon, paste |
| Garlic | 1 teaspoon, paste (optional) |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 3/4 teaspoon |
| Green Chillies | 3, slit |
| Oil | To cook |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 2 sprigs, finely chopped |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 120 kcal |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Dietary Fiber | 7g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
| Vitamin A | 15% DV |
| Vitamin C | 50% DV |
| Calcium | 8% DV |
| Iron | 10% DV |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Instructions
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Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Peel and dice the turnips into small cubes. Chop the spinach leaves finely. Slice the onion and chop the tomatoes.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds, releasing their fragrant aroma.
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Cook the Onions: Add the sliced onions to the pan and sauté them until they turn golden brown. This should take about 5-6 minutes on a medium flame.
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Add Ginger and Garlic: Stir in the ginger and garlic paste. Sauté the mixture for another minute until the raw smell of the ginger and garlic disappears, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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Cook the Tomatoes and Spices: Add the chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, salt, and coriander powder. Stir well, then cover the pan and let it cook for 2 minutes until the tomatoes soften and begin to break down.
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Add the Turnips: Mix in the diced turnips, ensuring they are coated with the spice mixture. Cover the pan and cook on low heat for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the turnips to cook partially. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
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Add Spinach and Green Chillies: Once the turnips are about 3/4th cooked, add the chopped spinach leaves, slit green chilies, and coriander leaves. Stir everything together, cover, and cook on low flame until the spinach wilts and the flavors combine. This should take around 10 minutes. The spinach will change color and appear slightly roasted.
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Final Adjustments: Check the seasoning, and adjust salt and spice levels according to taste. If desired, you can add more green chilies for extra heat or more coriander powder for additional flavor.
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Serve: Once the dish is cooked and the flavors have melded together, remove it from the heat. Garnish with additional chopped coriander leaves, if desired.
Serve your Spiced Turnips with Spinach hot with chapatis, naan, or parathas. It pairs wonderfully with a cool raita or a tangy pickle on the side for an authentic Indian meal experience.
Tips for Perfect Spiced Turnips with Spinach
- Turnip Preparation: Make sure to peel the turnips well to remove any bitterness. The smaller the dice, the quicker they cook and absorb the flavors.
- Adjusting Heat: If you prefer a spicier dish, add more green chilies or increase the amount of red chili powder.
- Consistency: If you like a saucier dish, feel free to add a little water to the pan while cooking, but be sure to cook it down to avoid excess moisture.
- Vegan Version: This recipe is naturally vegetarian, but you can make it vegan by using oil instead of ghee.
This Spiced Turnips with Spinach recipe is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a flavorful, wholesome side dish to accompany their Indian meals.
