Palak Rice Recipe
Palak Rice is a nutritious Indian dish made by cooking rice with sautéed spinach, spices, and often onions and garlic. It’s colorful, flavorful, and easy to prepare, making it a great quick meal.
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Basmati rice (or any long-grain rice)
- 2 Cup Fresh spinach leaves (palak), washed and chopped
- 1 Medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 Green chili, slit
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon Ginger-garlic paste
- 1 Small cinnamon stick
- 2-3 Cloves
- 1 Bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon Garam masala
- ½ teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon Coriander powder
- 2 tablespoon Oil or ghee
- Salt to taste
- 2 Cup Water (adjust as needed)
Instructions
Preparing the Spinach
- Blanching: Dip spinach in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then transfer to ice-cold water to preserve color and nutrients.
- Sautéing: Alternatively, sauté spinach in a pan for a richer, deeper flavor.
Spicing the Rice
- Temper: Heat oil, then add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and a pinch of asafoetida (hing).
- Flavor Boost: Add finely chopped garlic and green chilies for a zesty kick.
Cooking the Rice
- Cook Perfectly: Boil and drain, or use a pressure cooker or rice cooker to cook the rice.
- Pro Tip: Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch for fluffy, non-mushy rice.
Mixing Spinach and Rice
- Fold Together: Gently mix the cooked spinach into the rice, ensuring a well-balanced texture and color.
Finishing Touches
- Garnish: Top with fried onions, pomegranate seeds, or a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor and crunch.
Notes
Flavoring Variations: Customizing Your Palak Rice
1. Lemon or Tamarind Twist: On the other hand, a bit of tamarind paste or lemon juice can balance the earthy spinach flavor, making it tangy and refreshing. 2. Palak Pulao Style: For instance, you can add veggies like peas, carrots, or beans to make it more like a pulao, therefore adding extra texture and nutrients. 3. Spicy Palak Rice: To clarify, increase the heat by adding red chili powder, green chilies, or a sprinkle of garam masala—thus, giving the dish a spicy kick. 4. Coconut-Infused Palak Rice: Moreover, for a creamy twist, blend in some coconut milk or fresh grated coconut—with this, the rice will be rich and smooth.Tips and Tricks
1. Perfect Rice Texture: To clarify, use a 1:2 ratio of rice and water to keep the rice fluffy and non-sticky. Additionally, soaking the rice beforehand helps achieve the perfect texture. 2. Vibrant Green Color: For instance, blanch the spinach in boiling water for just one minute before pureeing it. This way, the spinach retains its bright green color. 3. Cooking the Spinach Without Overcooking: Importantly, avoid overcooking the spinach, as this will make it dull and mushy. A quick sauté or blanching method is best for preserving its texture and flavor. 4. Balancing Flavors: Moreover, taste the dish as you cook to adjust the spices and salt. For instance, adding more lemon juice or yogurt can balance the tanginess, depending on your preference.Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Palak Rice Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
517
% Daily Value*
Fat
28.2
g
43
%
Saturated Fat
5.1
g
32
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
4
g
Sodium
29
mg
1
%
Potassium
823
mg
24
%
Carbohydrates
60.6
g
20
%
Fiber
3.2
g
13
%
Sugar
5.6
g
6
%
Protein
7.6
g
15
%
Vitamin A
2813
IU
56
%
Vitamin B1
0.1
mg
7
%
Vitamin B2
0.02
mg
1
%
Vitamin B3
0.7
mg
4
%
Vitamin B5
0.3
mg
3
%
Vitamin B6
0.2
mg
10
%
Vitamin C
71
mg
86
%
Vitamin E
0.3
mg
2
%
Vitamin K
145
µg
138
%
Calcium
117
mg
12
%
Iron
2.8
mg
16
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!