Palak Rice | Spinach Rice Recipe | Healthy Lunch Ideas | Rice Recipes @HomeCookingShow

Summary

In this episode of 'Home Cooking with Hima Subramanian,' Hima shares a flavorful recipe for Palak Rice, a healthy and delicious way to include leafy greens in your meals. Starting with boiling basmati rice, the recipe uses fresh palak (spinach) leaves, garlic, ginger, and green chilies to create a rich, spiced paste. The paste is then cooked with onions, whole spices, and turmeric, followed by the addition of the rice. The dish is finished with garam masala, creating a perfect, easy lunchbox meal. Hima encourages viewers to enjoy this versatile, simple recipe with any rice and share it with loved ones.

Takeaways

• 😀 Palak (spinach) is a healthy and nutritious ingredient, but some people might be hesitant to include it in their meals.
• 😀 The recipe presented is a flavorful rice dish that incorporates palak, making it a great option for picky eaters or those who want to enjoy spinach.
• 😀 The recipe starts with boiling whole grain basmati rice, which is soaked for 30 minutes before cooking and strained.
• 😀 Fresh palak leaves are washed, chopped, and then blended with garlic, ginger, green chilies, and a little water to form a paste.
• 😀 The cooked palak paste is sautéed with whole spices like cinnamon, cloves, bay leaf, and cumin seeds, along with thinly sliced onions.
• 😀 The recipe also includes spices like turmeric, Kashmiri red chili powder, and garam masala, which add depth of flavor to the dish.
• 😀 After cooking the palak mixture to a thick consistency, it is combined with the cooked rice, ensuring careful mixing to prevent breaking the rice grains.
• 😀 The dish is versatile and can be made with any type of rice, not necessarily basmati, making it adaptable to different preferences.
• 😀 The recipe is ideal for lunch boxes and is a good way to introduce kids to palak in a tasty, approachable form.
• 😀 The dish is served hot and can be paired with sides like potato fry or chips, though it can be enjoyed however one likes.

Q & A

Why are leafy vegetables, particularly palak, recommended for health?

Leafy vegetables like palak are rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which contribute to overall health, including improved digestion, enhanced immunity, and better skin health.

How do you prepare the basmati rice for this recipe?

To prepare the basmati rice, soak 250 ml of rice for about 30 minutes. Then, cook it in a pot of boiling water with a little salt, strain it once it’s cooked, and set it aside.

What other rice options can you use for this recipe?

Although basmati rice is used in the recipe, you can substitute it with any rice variety you typically consume at home, making it a versatile dish.

What ingredients are needed to make the spinach paste?

To make the spinach paste, blend a bunch of washed and chopped palak leaves, four cloves of garlic, a piece of chopped ginger, and two green chilies with a little water until smooth.

What are the key spices used to flavor the dish?

The dish is flavored with whole spices like cinnamon, cloves, bay leaf, and cumin seeds, along with turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, garam masala powder, and salt.

How do you make the palak rice base in the pan?

In a kadai (wok), heat one tablespoon of oil and one tablespoon of ghee, then add the whole spices. After that, sauté two thinly sliced onions and two green chilies. Add turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, salt, and the spinach paste. Cook the mixture until the raw smell disappears and the paste thickens.

What is the purpose of cooking the spinach paste until thick?

Cooking the spinach paste until it becomes thick allows the moisture to evaporate and the flavors to intensify. This helps achieve a richer and more flavorful dish.

What’s the significance of adding garam masala powder to the recipe?

Adding garam masala powder enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish, giving it a warm, aromatic, and slightly spicy taste that complements the spinach and rice.

Can this recipe be made spicier?

Yes, you can adjust the spice level by adding more green chilies or increasing the amount of Kashmiri red chili powder. If you prefer a milder version, reduce the green chilies as suggested.

What sides are recommended to serve with the palak rice?

The palak rice can be served with various sides, such as potato fry and potato chips, but feel free to pair it with any side dish of your choice.