Palak Tambuli Recipe – Udupi Style Spinach Tambli
Description
Palak Tambuli is a light, refreshing yogurt-based curry from the coastal region of Udupi, Karnataka. This easy-to-make dish is packed with nutrients from fresh spinach, making it a healthy and comforting side. Unlike many curries, Tambuli is not spicy or oily, allowing the natural flavors of the spinach and coconut to shine through. It’s a perfect accompaniment to a variety of meals, adding both richness and nourishment without being overpowering. A favorite in Karnataka, this vegetarian recipe is a go-to for those looking to enjoy wholesome meals with minimal effort.
Cuisine
Karnataka
Course
Lunch
Diet
High Protein, Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient Name | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt), whisked | 1/2 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| For the Coconut Masala: | |
| Fresh coconut | 1/4 cup |
| Green Chilli | 1 |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Whole Black Pepper Corns | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Spinach Leaves (Palak), finely chopped | 1 cup |
| For the Tadka: | |
| Coconut Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Mustard seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Curry leaves | 2 sprigs |
| Dry Red Chilli, broken | 1 |
Preparation Time
| Time | Duration |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
Instructions
-
Prep the Ingredients
Start by gathering all the ingredients. Ensure the spinach leaves are washed and chopped finely. Whisk the curd in a separate bowl to make it smooth and ready to mix later. -
Cook the Spinach
In a medium-sized pan, heat a teaspoon of coconut oil over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach leaves along with a pinch of salt. Sauté the spinach until it wilts down, which should take around 3–4 minutes. Once the spinach has softened, turn off the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. -
Prepare the Coconut Masala
While the spinach is cooling, prepare the coconut masala. In a mixer jar, combine the fresh coconut, cooked spinach, green chili, cumin seeds, and black peppercorns. Add water gradually to make a smooth paste. Set the coconut masala aside. -
Mix the Yogurt and Masala
In a large bowl, whisk the curd until smooth. Add the freshly ground coconut-spinach masala to the curd and mix well. Adjust salt to taste. -
Prepare the Tadka (Tempering)
In a small tadka pan or frying pan, heat the coconut oil over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds, letting them crackle and release their flavors. Add the broken dry red chili and curry leaves, stirring for a few seconds to release their aroma. Turn off the heat once the spices are well-fried. -
Assemble the Dish
Pour the hot tadka over the prepared Palak Tambuli mixture and give it a final stir. The combination of the cooling curd, flavorful coconut masala, and the aromatic tadka will elevate the taste of the dish. -
Serve
Palak Tambuli is traditionally served with steamed rice. For a complete and satisfying meal, pair it with Udupi Style Bendekayi Palya (Okra Stir Fry). This makes for a comforting and nutritious weekday lunch that is simple to prepare yet rich in flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 120 kcal |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Sodium | 200mg |
| Potassium | 350mg |
Palak Tambuli is not just a delicious addition to your meal but also a source of healthy fats from coconut oil and protein from yogurt. Spinach provides an array of vitamins and minerals, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a nutrient-packed dish.
Enjoy this wholesome, healthy Palak Tambuli, an Udupi-style delight that brings comfort and nutrition in every bite!
